Opinion
E-Mail 'The ARF and the 2013 Armenian Presidential Election' To A Friend
Email a copy of 'The ARF and the 2013 Armenian Presidential Election' to a friend
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It is interesting to see the continued use of “we” in this piece, assumedly because the author is writing on behalf of the entire ARF organization. Unfortunately, due to the decentralized structure of the party, regions where the party is active outside of Armenia can do little to influence party presidential campaign strategy, never mind the fact that the ARF in Armenia for all intents and purposes operates like a completely different party. While ARF leaders in Yerevan may talk the talk, they do not have the will to act like real players on the political field, as if they don’t really take themselves seriously as politicians and are rather more interested in reaping the benefits of being affiliated with a party and its scope of influence. Keep in mind that the ARF had a role to play in the rise of the “entrenched interests” you identify with its tight allegiance to Kocharian, they permitted the current polarization of society to take shape. So we need to clearly draw a distinction between the ARF in the diaspora and the ARF in Armenia and begin to understand how disparate the mentalities are on both sides. Perhaps “we” could have been used in the contexts of this commentary ten years ago. Not anymore.
The important passage in the last paragraph: “It pits the ARF leadership and the party faithful against powerful, entrenched interests that will do whatever is necessary to protect their wealth and influence.” – sums up the whole thing nicely.
These same people “with wealth and influence” are the problem… and they happen to be the same type of people who have been brainwashing Armenians of Armenia for the past 90 years as to what an “evil” organization the ARF was/is.
After 20 years, we realize now how effective that indoctrination was: in the diaspora communities, most Armenian expats (particularly the later comers) do not get involved or support anything that has to do with the ARF. It has almost become part of their cultural identity. 70 years of Soviet “education” has taught them that the ARF was the real enemy. And this concept today lingers on in their minds as sort of a “family tradition”.
Now in Armenia, I believe that if the people there are educated with the right information eventually this false indoctrination left over from the Soviet Union will start to fade, and eventually the ARF will become a viable political force in Armenia, because its above cited enemies are no match for the ARF’s history and achievements. One of the ways the ARF can be successful there is to have the people support it.
Interesting and thought provoking artcile. However, the results of the prliamentary elections clearly indicated that the ARF in Armenia has failed miserably in making any positive impressions on the electorate. There is no focus and the message,if any, is blurred. It is not getting through.
I personally am of the opinion that the ARF should not have a candidate for the Presidential elections. It is a futile effort and waste of energy and money. It could also be very embarassing. It is better to sit out and spend the energy on developing a strategy that speaks to the minds and hearts of the Armenians in Armenia.
Otherwise, sadly the ARF will continue to be a marginal player in Armenia.
Vart Adjemian