Kocharyan questions why people should worry about security, says that is what governments are elected for

Armenia’s second president, Robert Kocharyan, told reporters after arriving at a polling station that he had voted in favor of an Armenia that is protected, secure, prosperous, and preserves its national identity.

Asked by ABC Media why citizens should believe that Armenia would be safer tomorrow than it is today if Kocharyan receives enough votes, the second president replied: “Why shouldn’t they believe it? My experience in office was not bitter, it was a positive one. For 10 years, the country was secure, and citizens did not have to think about security — the country’s leader and government were thinking about it. I believe the difference is significant, while now security issues are being discussed across the entire country. Why should ordinary people have to think about security? What did they elect a government and a parliament for? So that they would think about these issues.”

Kocharyan said he views his chances positively.

“We were in opposition, we fought, we did not retreat anywhere, and as a radical opposition force, I think no one doubts that we are the most radical one,” he said.

Responding to a question from a Russian journalist about what he expects from the elections, Kocharyan gave a brief answer: “Change” — adding that the nature of that change should be positive.

“We simply need to stop this chain of losses, defeats, the surrender of sovereignty, and many other developments,” Kocharyan said, adding: “Serious changes are needed.”

Commenting on statements issued by the Anti-Corruption Committee, Kocharyan said the impression is that “everyone in this country is being wiretapped.”

“Those who are comfortable with that idea should vote for the forces that created this atmosphere,” he said.

“They enter bedrooms, they enter kitchens — it is simply disgraceful,” Kocharyan added.

Asked whether they were ready to give their votes to the opposition political force that receives the highest number of votes, Kocharyan replied: “The opposition force that receives the most votes has the right to nominate a candidate for prime minister. For me, this is also a matter stemming from the Constitution.”