Particular agreements with particular oligarchs have been reached in Armenia - political scientist.

The authorities’ PR program will fail in case of switch-over to the proportional representation system, the political scientist Edgar Vardanyan told journalists Jan. 23.

According to him, the opposition and pro-government “segments” need separating.

“I do not rule out amendments to the election law, but I consider them unlikely. Particular agreements with particular oligarchs have been reached: ‘you run for parliament in single-mandate constituencies, while political figures, on the proportional representation tickets,” the expert said. The ruling party does not want oligarchs to run for parliament on proportional representation tickets.

The single-winner voting system is to the authorities’ advantage as candidates running for parliament in single-mandate constituencies enjoy popularity there.

“They are much more efficient in working with voters and have their personal interests. It should be noted, however, that political parties are taking advantage of such people’s ambitions,” Vardanyan said.

The opposition forces’ objections to the single-winner voting system are mere attempts to weaken the authorities’ positions rather than put an end to election rigging.

“The opposition claims there will be no free and fair elections in Armenia. A change of power is impossible now. By putting an end to the single-winner voting system, the opposition forces will be able to get more votes,” Vardanyan said.