Why does the RPA decline ANC’s debate invitations? - ANC statement.

The campaign headquarters of the opposition Armenian National Congress has issued a statement condemning Republicans' efforts to impede opposition candidates' campaign.

"Democratic elections are characterized by public debates between political forces that help people decide which force they can trust during the elections.

One of the main characteristics of the election campaign for the May 6 polls is that the ruling Republican Party (HHK) declines to debate with the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) at all levels.

HAK senior member, Armenia's ex-Prime Minister Hrant Bagratyan, who is running for parliament by the proportional electoral system, has several times invited Serzh Sargsyan and Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan to similar debates but to no avail.

HAK member Nikol Pashinyan, who is participating in the May elections from Constituency N7, has also invited his contender at the electoral district Republican, Samvel Alexanyan, to a televised debate. In reply, the latter, sent his loyalists to ‘thwart' Pashinyan's campaign. Numerous are cases when HAK members have been refused by HHK representatives to hold public debates.

In his speech at the 13th congress of the Republican Party, Serzh Sargsyan said Armenia has prospered in the past 4-5 years, thereby receiving sharp criticism by different circles. Sargsyan's speech was immediately labeled as utter falsehood and deceit. The HHK leader [Serzh Sargsyan] is no longer citing fake figures during HHK's campaign meetings.

Republicans avoid public debates as they fully realize that thanks to the efforts of the ruling regime, the country has appeared on the verge of collapse. Besides, they know that they will suffer a shameful defeat in all debates with opposition candidates.

The HAK is confident that with their attempts to avoid public debates and hinder opposition candidates' campaign, the HHK will make voters follow the slogan ‘No vote to the criminal regime!" said the HAK.