 Cash connections count for much in Armenian politics.
The role of business and money in general in Armenia's political life has grown dramatically over the past decade. With the rule of law still weak, local businesspeople increasingly engage in political activities in order to safeguard and multiply their assets. That usually means pledging allegiance to the ruling regime and helping it hold on to power. Many entrepreneurs also run for parliament to gain both immunity from prosecution and greater prestige. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of the 56 members of the outgoing parliament elected in single-mandate constituencies are wealthy, government-connected individuals. Many of them got elected amid reports of widespread vote buying. Others are rumored to have paid lump sums to have their names included on the electoral lists of governing parties.
The Armenian business elite is now largely grouped around the governing Republican Party and its leader, Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian, illustrating the importance of government connections for doing business in the country. Only a handful of wealthy businessmen have joined the pro-government Prosperous Armenia Party of businessman Gagik Tsarukian.
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