Manukian Says Kocharian Not Helped By Lack Of Opposition Unity

Presidential candidate Vazgen Manukian campaigned in the central Aragatsotn province on Friday, saying that President Robert Kocharian should not benefit from the Armenian opposition’s failure to nominate only one contender.

Manukian told opposition supporters there not to be confused with the absence of a single Kocharian challenger and simply vote for anyone opposed to the current regime. He also argued that the existence of several opposition candidates gives them a broader choice.

“Those who don’t want Robert Kocharian to win should pick someone else. By doing that they would reduce his chances,” he said at a rally in the provincial town of Talin.

Manukian was responding to some local residents’ complaints that they have trouble making up their mind before the February 19 presidential elections.

The leader of the National Democratic Union (AZhM) is one of the top opposition hopefuls who have made it clear that they will stay in the race in any case. He believes that only the first round of voting should determine the single candidate.

Kocharian has said all along that he would prefer to face one major challenge because that would facilitate his victory in the first round. But some opposition supporters and political analysts claim the opposite.

(Photolur photo)