 Republican Party of Armenia head Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian
Armenia's number one "party of power" since 1999, it mainly comprises senior government officials, civil servants, and wealthy businesspeople dependent on government connections. The RPA controls most central and local government bodies and heavily relies on its top leader's extensive patronage networks, putting it in prime position to win the May 12 elections. Its victory in the last parliamentary elections was marred by serious fraud reported by domestic and Western observers. There are widespread concerns that the RPA will try to retain the largest number of seats in parliament by less than legitimate means.
Reports in the Armenian press have said local government chiefs across the country have been forcing public sector employees to join and vote for the party or risk losing their jobs. The Republicans have also been accused of intimidating and bribing voters. Their leaders strongly deny such claims, insisting that they are committed to holding the first-ever Armenian election recognized as free and fair by the international community.
As a party represented in parliament, the RPA has one seat in all election commissions and is believed to control another seat reserved for the People's Deputy group of nominally independent lawmakers mostly affiliated with the governing party. Although the RPA does not own any national TV channels, it has always received a positive coverage by electronic media. That coverage has become even more sympathetic after party head Serzh Sarkisian's appointment as prime minister. The RPA's vast financial resources have also allowed the party to bombard TV viewers with campaign ads.
| 
