Adibeklian: Opposition did everything so that Sargsyan be re-elected

The incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan will win the upcoming presidential election by collecting 72% of votes. Raffi Hovannisian will collect 21% of votes and be the runner-up.

“Sociometer” independent sociological center has already begun its surveys. The center’s Director Aharon Adibekian said at the meeting with reporters today that he considers a change of President almost unlikely. 

“Raffi has a good rating and may take second place with a high percentage of votes, but the probability of his winning the election tends to zero,” Adibekian noted.

Based on the survey results, Adibekian pointed out 4 main candidates: Serzh Sargsyan, Raffi Hovannisian, Hrant Bagratian, and Paruyr Hayrikian.

“In relation to Bagratian, there are still some obscure issues. For example, it is not clear what the radical opposition is going to do: sit at home or go to the polls, and, if they go, who they will vote for. In my opinion, the majority of them are most likely to vote for Bagratian. Certainly, radical opposition will not vote for Raffi Hovannisian,” the sociologist said. 

In his words, it is the opposition that has contributed most of all so that the incumbent President will win – the opposition failed to unite, despite the fact that they had such an opportunity during parliamentary and local government elections.

The sociologist considers Paruyr Hayrikian’s electorate unpredictable.

“This political figure used to collect quite a few votes in the past too. I think he will receive some of the votes that would otherwise be given to the candidates who decided not to run in the election. Nevertheless, to achieve good results in an election, one has to have a good team and pre-electoral headquarters that will work on every detail”.

As for votes for Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK), Adibekian found it difficult to say who will receive these votes in the election. 
“One thing is obvious here. Tsarukian’s electorate consists mostly of women, jealous women. I think they will not betray their candidate and perhaps they will not vote in the election”.

Adibekian said that next sociological data will be released in January.