Robert Kocharyan named prime minister candidate: will he become represent opposition in Armenia’s upcoming elections?

Robert Kocharyan has been named a prime minister candidate, raising questions about his potential role in Armenia’s upcoming elections. The Armenia bloc, with Kocharyan at its head, is preparing for June parliamentary votes. Kocharyan previously stated that no one could “lead the country out of this situation” better than him, though he initially didn’t announce his candidacy.

Organisers confirmed Kocharyan’s participation alongside the ARF Dashnaktsutyun and Forward parties. Experts now predict that Kocharyan and his bloc face a significant challenge to enter parliament, citing the 8% electoral threshold. Political analysts note the difficulties for a force led by the former president.

Numerous political parties have declared their participation, each with a proposed prime ministerial candidate. The ruling Civil Contract party nominates Nikol Pashinyan, Strong Armenia features businessman Samvel Karapetyan (under house arrest), Prosperous Armenia remains undecided, and other parties like Armenian National Congress and Republic also present candidates. The Republican Party of Armenia, led by Serzh Sargsyan, is still evaluating its participation.

The ruling party highlights shifts within the opposition, noting the alliance between Kocharyan’s team and Strong Armenia. Karapetyan, unable to run himself, emphasizes his party’s goals of combating poverty and ensuring security. Kocharyan, presenting himself as “the first president of the Republic of Artsakh,” stated his determination for victory and highlighted the need for a combat-ready army and strong alliances, likely referencing Russia.

He reiterated his support for peace with Azerbaijan, contingent on security guarantees. Kocharyan’s ambition to become a candidate represents a significant development in Armenian politics, and the outcome of the election remains uncertain.

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