Republican Party of Armenia: Ruling Party | Ideology-Based



Founded in 1990 by a group of activists of nationalist ideology led by Ashot Navasardian, a Soviet-era dissident. Official ideology is so-called tseghakron (stands as "nation-religion") of Gargin Nzhde – a prominent political figure of the first half of 20th century. Tsekhkron means that the meaning that the national identity and national state are highest values for Armenians, they should serve as religion for the Armenian people. In 1998, after the death of Navasardian, a large group of Yerkrapahs (Karabakh war veterans) led by Vazgen Sarkisian joined the RPA. The latter became the party leader and Prime Minister (since June 1999). Andranik Markarian replaced Sarkisisan after the terrorist act of October 27 1999. As of April 4, 2007, Serzhe Sarkisian, previously the defense minister, replaced Markarian (who died on March 25) as both party leader and Prime Minister.

Currently, a large part of the party members are simply state officials of different level, including at least seven government ministers and many governors (i.e., the ideological nature of the party is not so strong, the many have joined it as it is a "party of power"). In this sense, the death of Markarian was a strong loss for the party, as he was known to be a consolidating factor. However, paradoxically as it is, in the short run his death may serve as a political factor as well, as the sympathy expressed after his death may help attract more votes.

Surveys say RPA enjoys support from 10 to 16% of voters. The party itself has ambitions to have the largest faction in the future parliament (like now, 40 seats out of 131). Galust Sahakian, the head of the parliament faction, said they will even seek qualified majority. The party has 110 people in its proportional roll and 26 are nominated in territorial districts.

Motto: "Let's rely on our minds and our arms."
Web site: http://www.hhk.am
Address: 310 Republikanian Ave., 0309 Yerevan
Tel: 993-00-00-00



Pro-Government:
Armenian Revolutionary Federation
Prosperous Armenia Party
United Labor Party

Opposition:
National Democratic Union
Heritage Party
National Unity Party
Rule of Law Party
People's Party
Republican Party of Armenia



Republican Party and Prosperous Armenia Activists Clash
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