Aggravation of Situation in Karabakh

Baku / 07.04.02 / Turan: The socio-political situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has worsened over the past 24 hours amid protests against the second round of "presidential elections" scheduled for April 14.

A group of people held a rally in Khankand, demanding that the results of the “parliamentary and presidential elections” be canceled on March 31. The demonstrators demanded the resignation of incumbent regime head Bako Sahakyan, police chief Levon Mnatsakanyan and other leaders of the separatist regime. They consider the March 31 election “a failed attempt to seize power.”

“We demand from the authorities to cancel the election results, to announce not the second round, but the re-election. This shameful election should be canceled,” said Osipyan, leader of the “Revolutionary Party”.

Several hundred of his supporters, gathered in one of the squares of the city, demanded the resignation of Bako Sahakyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan and Arshavir Garamyan.

Speaking about the Corona Virus pandemic and concern over its possible spread, the opposition head noted: the authorities had to declare an emergency regime and cancel the election. He announced the plans of Bako Sahakyan’s team to falsify the second round of elections in favor of Araik Harutyunyan.

Several policemen tried to convince the crowd to disperse, but they did not listen. Supporters of Araik Harutyunyan also arrived, but there was no serious confrontation with the protesters.

The participants announced the continuation of the protest rallies demanding the cancellation of the second round and the resignation of Bako Sahakyan.

Recall that in the first round, the former head of the “government” of Karabakh, Araik Harutyunyan, won 49.26% of the vote, but a minimum of 50% is required for victory. In second place is the “Foreign Minister” of Karabakh Masis Mayilyan - 26.4%.

On the eve, Mailyan called on the Karabakh population to refuse to vote in the second round. He substantiated his appeal with the spread of coronavirus and falsifications in the first round.

According to observers in Armenia and Karabakh itself, the situation may lead to open clashes between various political forces. The coming week before the second round and after April 14 will give answers to these questions. -02D-