Raffi Hovannisian hinted that he has a plan and promised to reveal it during a rally on March 2nd, as thousands gathered to listen to him in what was possibly the largest crowd since the opposition presidential candidate announced that he won’t accept the official election results.
On Monder the Central Electoral Commission announced, that the incumbent president Serzh Sarkissian was the winner of the February 18th presidential election with 58.64 percent of the vote, Hovannisian finished in second place with 36.75 percent.
Hovannisian started a respectful, yet determined campaign, denouncing the official polling results and calling on Sarkissian to hand over power. He has held several large rallies not only in Yerevan, but also in Gyumri, Vanadzor, Kapan.
However, his messages at the rallies remain mostly emothional, but lack clarity. Too often he calls the rally and promises to tell more the next day or at the next rally. And when the next day comes, he has very little to offer and people are starting to get tired.
By the end of his less than 10 minute speech today, I could see this feeling of disappointment again.
And as a journalist covering Raffi’s speeches day after day, I am frankly rather bored by now. I hope this is not going to affect my objectivity and clear judgement.
At any rate, I have a feeling that everything I said 9 days ago, after the announcement of preliminary election results are still valid. And that is, frankly speaking, rather sad…
Artur Papyan
Journalist, blogger, digital security and media consultant