Founding Date: 1989
Chairman: Vano Siradeghyan, reelected in March, 1999
Party Platform: The Armenian National Movement party declares freedom, democracy, peace and pragmatism as fundamental principles for its activities. The party believes that applying these principles in government policy will ensure the development of the Republic of Armenia and the well-being of the Armenian nation. Main Objectives:
Number of Members: 8,500
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The party has organizations in all 10 marzes of Armenia and in Yerevan and has 30 offices
1995 Parliamentary Election: Participated both in proportional and majoritarian lists
Candidate Proposed in 1996 Presidential Elections: President Levon Ter-Petrossyan, who won the election in the first round with 51.75% of the vote
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential elections: None
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: 24 deputies, members of Hanrapetutiun faction
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: 2 mayors and 1 head of a community in Yerevan
Newspaper: "Hayq" weekly with 2,600 circulation, founded in 1989
Headquarter: Yerevan, St. Khanjyan # 27
Telephone: (3742) 55-79-82, 50-55-66 Fax: (3742) 57-04-70
Founding Date: 1890
Chairman: Vahan Hovhanissyan, elected in 1996
Party Platform: The party believes that fundamental reforms are necessary in the spheres of government and legal issues. The objectives in these spheres are the followings:
Artsakh
The Party calls for the peaceful solution of the Kharabakh conflict within the framework of international law and norms. Taking into consideration historical, legal and political factors, the Party believes that the right to self- determination should be applied in this conflict. In relation to the peaceful negotiations taking place in the framework of the OSCE Minsk group, the Party accepts the "Package" alternative. Kharabakh should have a land connection with Armenia and the party believes that the liberated territories are not only security zones for Artsakh and Armenia but are also a factor in the balance of power. Economy Today there is a need for new social and economic policies in Armenia and these must be developed by taking into account economic priorities and social issues coming from both national interests and national characteristics. These policies should express the interests of all groups and levels of society. For this purpose the Party rejects radical liberalism and favors a social-market model where more balanced and realistic mechanisms of the regulation of the state over income and distribution is applied. Under these new social economic policies, the activities and behavior of the government administration should be regulated by law and measures should be taken to reduce corruption and the abuse of power. The sharp difference between rich and poor segments of the population should be reduced. The party proposes specific mechanisms to correct the errors of past privatization programs and to develop industry and agriculture in Armenia. The ultimate goal of the state is to ensure a worthy life for the socially unprotected segments of society. In order to reduce social polarization in society it is necessary to implement the following objectives:
Foreign Policy The foreign policy of Armenia should be directed toward ensuring and protecting the interests of the state and of all Armenians in the around the world. Hay Dat (the Armenian Cause) and the Kharabakh issue should have important places in the foreign policy of Armenia. The party stresses the importance of the active involvement of Armenia in regional politics. It is important also that Armenia builds mutually beneficial relations with the CIS countries, particularly with Russia and Georgia. Close relations with Iran is high priority. Relations with the USA and the European Union have strategic importance for Armenia. When there is a fair solution to the Kharabakh conflict, good relations with Azerbaijan will also be possible. The Republic of Armenia should make efforts to have an active role in the development of international and European security and economic systems.
Number of Members: 5,000
Organizations and Offices nationwide: The party has organizations in all 10 marzes of Armenia and Yerevan and has 74 offices Note: The Armenian Revolutionary Federation has well-established party structure in the Armenian Diaspora
1995 parliamentary election: The Party was suspended 6 months before the election. Rouben Hakobyan participated on the majoritarian ballot
Proposed Candidate in 1996 Presidential elections: None
Proposed Candidate in 1998 Presidential Elections: None
Current number of deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: 1
Representation in Central Government: Minister of Education, Minister of Culture Vahan Hovhanissyan is an adviser to ROA President Robert Kocharyan for Local and Territorial Self-Administration and Minority Issues
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: One marz governor
Newspaper: "Yerkir", daily with 3000 circulation, founded in 1991
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Hanrapetutian # 30
Telephone: (3742) 52-15-02
Fax: (3742) 52-04-26
Founding Date: 1920
Chairman: Sergey Badalyan; elected in August, 1994Party Platform: Not available
Number of Members: 53,000
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The Communist Party of Armenia has organizations in all 10 marzes of Armenia and Yerevan and has 35 offices
1995 Parliamentary Elections: Participated both in the proportional and majoritarian lists
Proposed Candidate in the 1996 Presidential Elections: Sergey Badalyan; received about 7% of votes in the first round
Proposed Candidate in the 1998 Presidential Elections: Sergey Badalyan; received 11% of votes in the first round
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: 7
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: Several heads of village communities
Newspaper: "Hayastani Kommunist" weekly in Armenian; "Pravda Armenii" weekly in Russian
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Khorenatsi # 22
Telephone: (3742) 56-79-33 Fax: (3742) 52-35-06
(Member, Homeland 1999 Parliamentary Election Bloc)
Founding Date: March, 1998
Chairman: Edouard Yegorian; Elected on March 7, 1998
Party Platform :
1. Establishment of a democratic state: Introduction of a system to secure free and fair elections, providing guarantees for the non-interference of law-enforcement bodies into the election process, providing freedom and independence of the mass media, providing protection of human rights and freedoms, decentralization of the central government, empowering local governments.
2. Liberal economic system providing for increase of investments and jobs: Creation of an economic system free from the influence of monopolies and clans, creation of guarantees for a liberal economic system and the protection of investments, integration of the Armenian economic system into international and regional economic systems, creation of a system enabling the involvement of Diasporan Armenians in the development of the Armenian economy.
3. Agriculture: Lending long-term low-interest credits with simplified allocation to farmers, supporting the processing and realization of agricultural production.
4. Education, culture: Through the national education program raise Armenian individuals possessing universal human values who are well-adjusted and operate efficiently in the contemporary world, creation of all-Armenian structures that will preserve the cultural unity of Armenians and promote the development of the Armenian culture, uniting Armenians for the sake of the development and prosperity of Armenia and Diaspora communities
5. Karabakh problem: Supporting the right for self-determination of Karabakh, the priority of the role of the Karabakh authorities in the negotiations, speeding the process of regional economic integration parallel to negotiations, prioritized resolution of the borders' transparency problems.
6. Foreign policy: Involvement of Armenia into extended Europe, CIS, Black Sea, and European free trade zones, membership in the World Trade Organization, close cooperation with Russia and neighboring countries, exit to East -- establishment of relations with the countries of Middle East, Central Asia, other Arab and Eastern countries, increase of the role of Armenian communities and all-Armenian structures in foreign relations.
7. Social policy: Increase the resources of the state budget allocated for salaries, pensions, and health, increase of the non-taxable part of salaries, provide free health services for the poor.
Number of Members: 1,762
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The Democratic Homeland has organizations in all 10 marzes of Armenia and in Yerevan
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: 11
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential elections: None
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: One head of village community
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St Vagharshian 12
Telephone: (3742) 35-15-30
Fax: (3742) 34-10-55
Founding Date: 1991
Chairman: Aram Sargsyan, elected in 1991, October
Party Platform: The basic goal of the Democratic Party of Armenia is to create a sovereign, democratic and economically developed state based on social justice and the rule of law. The basis of the party's platform is the theory of democratic socialism.
Its activities are founded on universal and national values and the principles set forth by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In its daily activities, the motto of the party is "Freedom, Equality and Solidarity."
As an advocate of consistent reforms, the party aims to implement a policy of constant development in social and political structures without excluding the possibility for radical changes.
The goal of the party is to form a democratic society with a multi-party system in Armenia based on national and universal values. All citizens of Armenia should enjoy equal protection of their political, social-economic, and cultural rights without any discrimination. The Party declares that its duty is to struggle against the violation of individual rights and interests using Constitutional means.
The social protection of workers is one of the most important objectives of the Party. The Armenian Constitution and laws should be built on the principle of social justice. The economic policy of the Democratic party of Armenia is directed to ensure the stable development of the economy of the country and the well-being of its citizens.
Number of Members: 2,851
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The party has organizations in all 10 marzes of Armenia and in Yerevan and has 28 offices
1995 Parliamentary Election: Participated both in proportional and majoritarial lists
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Candidate Proposed in 1996 Presidential Elections: Withdrew candidate Aram Sargsyan to support the united opposition candidate, Vazgen Manukyan (AZHM)
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential Election: Aram Sargsyan, who received 0.19% vote in the first round of the election.
Representation in Central Government: Aram Sargsyan is an Foreign Affairs Adviser to ROA President Robert Kocharyan
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Koryun # 14,
Telephone: (3742) 52-52-73
Fax: (3742) 52-52-73
Founding Date: January, 1990
Chairman: Rouben Mnatsakanian; reelected in 1995
Party Platform: Goals and objectives of the party: 1. Creation of a united system for all segments of Armenians, elimination of barriers between Armenia and the Diaspora 2. Strengthening of the national state, army, church, restoration of the historical motherland 3. Implementation through strategic economic programs of such steps which will free Armenia and Armenians from a certain economic dependence 4. The state should become the guarantor of social justice for all segments of society.
Number of Members: Not available
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The Free Armenia Mission has organizations in all 10 marzes of Armenia and Yerevan
1995 Parliamentary Elections: Participated in the majoritarian lists
Proposed Candidate in the 1996 Presidential Elections: None
Proposed Candidate in the 1998 Presidential Elections: None
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: "Zinakits" (Ally)
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Nor Aresh # 27, apt. 25
Telephone: (3742) 45-73-08, 45-12-31
Founding Date: May, 1997
Chairman: Hrant Bagratyan, elected in 1997
Party Platform: The Freedom party believes that the role of a state is to regulate social life rather than to organize it. The main concern of the state is to guarantee the freedom of individuals and to ensure the necessary conditions for the development of individuals. National ideology is essential for the functioning of the nation, progress in society and existence of the state. In such ideology universal human values can be considered also as national elements.
Every individual has the right to be recognized as a person before the law and equal before the law. One of the most important elements in society is to encourage free thinking of each individual.
The state should ensure the right to private property and the necessary conditions for entrepreneurship. According to the Party, state industrial property should not exist as a separate form of property. The Party considers a multi-party system, pluralism, and freedom of thought, beliefs, expression and the press as very significant for Armenia today.
Number of Members: 2,000
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The party has regional organizations in 5 of 10 marzes (Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir, Lori, Kotaik) and in Yerevan and has 20 offices.
Current Number of Deputies in the 199-99 National Assembly: None
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Vardanants 13
Telephone:
(3742) 57-12-85
Fax: (3742) 56-07-69
E-Mail: ara@arminco.com
Web Page: http://www.yerevan.am/azatutuiun
(Member, Homeland 1999 Parliamentary Election Bloc)Founding Date: May 27, 1994
Chairman: Hovhannes Tokmadjian; reelected March, 1998
Party Platform : See the platform of Democratic Homeland (ZhH)
Number of Members: Not available
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: Intellectual Armenia has organizations in 6 of 10 marzes (Aragatsotn, Armavir, Gegharquniq, Shirak, Vayots Dzor and Tavush) and Yerevan and has 1 office
1995 Parliamentary Elections: Participated both in the proportional and majoritarian lists
Proposed Candidate in the 1996 Presidential Elections: As member of the Republic Bloc, President Levon Ter-Petrossian
Proposed Candidate in the 1998 Presidential Elections: None
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: 3
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: One head of village community
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St Vagharshian 12
Telephone: (3742) 65-47-31
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KAISSA
(Member, Union of Intellectuals and Socialist Forces 1999 Parliamentary Election Bloc)
Founding Date: August, 1995
Chairman: Loris Qalashyan, elected in 1995
Party Platform: Not available
Number of Members: 450
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: Kaissa has organizations in 2 of 10 marzes (Lori and Shirak) and in Yerevan and has 3 offices
1995 Parliamentary Election: None
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Candidate Proposed in 1996 Presidential Elections: None
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential Election: None
Representation in Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: "Apaga", with 1000 circulation
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Abovyan # 8
Telephone: (3742) 58-01-49, 57-04-55
Founding Date: 1990
Chairman: Artush Papoyan
Party Platform: Not Available
Number of Members: 150
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: Arakelution has one office and it is in the Shirak Marz.
1995 Parliamentary Election: Participated by proportional and majoritarian lists
Candidate Proposed in 1996 Presidential Election: None
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential Election: None
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Representation in Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Giumri, St. Njdeh # 15
Telephone: (8269) (from abroad 37469) 3 43 50, 2 37 45
(Member, AIM+ 1999 Parliamentary Election Bloc)
Founding Date: March, 1999
Chairman: Hrach Ter-Esayan, elected in 1999
Party Platform: Motherland-Diaspora aims to assist and to cooperate with those organizations and state structures that are interested and are working in the following fields: ? To strengthen Armenian statehood and to develop democratic principles in Armenia; ? To establish and develop links between organizations of the motherland and the Armenian Diaspora; ? To assist in bring new investment in order to create new jobs; ? To strive for the self-determination of Artsakh's population; ? To strive for recognition of the 1915 Armenian Genocide in the international community and the protection of "Hay Dat"(the Armenian Cause); ? To adopt a law recognizing dual citizenship in Armenia. ?
Number of Members: 1,200
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The Motherland-Diaspora has organizations in 4 of 10 marzes (Aragatsotn, Ararat, Lori, Kotaik)and in Yerevan and has 15 offices
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Amiryan # 8
Telephone: (3742) 56-11-12, 56-04-10
Fax: (37439) 07170; for CIS countries (88539) 07170
Founding Date: 1991
Chairman: Vazgen Manoukyan; Reelected in 1998
Party Platform : Only under the conditions of democracy can Armenia become a developed country implement reforms in all areas, secure human rights and freedoms, and create a healthy and efficient system of governance. The source of economic development and the maximum realization of the individual's potential is the application of the principles of liberalism. In the economic sphere: The key goal of economic development is to become an industrial country paying special attention to high technology. To achieve this goal the government should implement a new economic policy in order to create beneficiary tax, credit, and investment conditions, preferential terms for the promotion of exports of industrial products, and to protect the domestic market. One of the most important objectives is to stimulate the production and processing of agricultural goods, allocating subsidies and long and short term credits to farmers and agricultural collective farms, reducing the tax burden, securing a water supply with modest prices, as well as to implement policy aimed at the enlargement of land lots using economic incentives. In the social sphere: The state budget should become the source for a substantial increase in salaries of employees who receive their salaries from the budget and in pensions, for health and education, and the financing of new types of social benefits and programs. A sharp increase in the state budget can be achieved through the operation of industry, profits obtained from privatization, elimination of the shadow economy, and the creation of conducive legal conditions for businesses and foreign investors.
Number of Members: 3, 100
Organizations and offices Nationwide: The National Democratic Union has organizations in all 10 marzes of Armenia and Yerevan and has 36 offices
1995 Parliamentary Elections: Participated both in the proportional and majoritarian lists
Proposed Candidate in 1996 Presidential Elections: Vazgen Manoukyan, received approximately 41% of votes in the first round
Proposed Candidate in 1998 Presidential Elections: Vazgen Manoukyan, received 12.22% of votes in the first round
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: 5
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Abovian # 12,
Telephone: (3742) 52-34-12, 56-31-88
Founding Date: 1993
Chairman: Samvel Shahinyan, reelected in 1998
Party Platform: The ultimate goal of the National State Party is to create a national state as the only way to achieve the following:
- A democratic system based on the rule of law in Armenia;
- Protection of freedom of individuals and their self-fulfillment;
- Protection of the Armenian language;
- Preservation of national identity;
- National solidarity;
- Owning and protecting the Armenian country.
The party does not consider itself as a revolutionary party and recognizes step-by- step reforms as its essential form of activity to establish and develop the independent Armenian state. Power is just a means to be able to solve the problems of the Armenian people. The National State Party struggles against dictatorship practices in economic, political and state government spheres and continues its struggle against monopoly and clan tendencies in Armenia. The party signifies the principle of separation of power between executive, legislative and judicial branches.
The party aims to conserve national traditions, cultural-spiritual values, purity of the Armenian language and strives to educate younger generation with national values. The party stresses the importance of the security of the state while claiming that this should not be only be the task of special Ministries but should be achieved through economic and other strategic programs at large. The moral base of the party is the protection of individuals rights and freedoms.
Number of Members: 376
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The party has organizations in 4 of 10 marzes (Aragatsotn, Armavir, Gegharquniq, Lori) and in Yerevan, and has 2 offices.
1995 Parliamentary Election: Participated both in proportional and majoritarian lists
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Candidate Proposed in 1996 Presidential Elections: None
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential Elections: None
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Zaqian #8, apt.28
Telephone: (3742) 58-90-66
Fax: (3742) 62-80-11
E-Mail:
asn31-877@hotmail.com;
speleo@server.physdep.r.am;
vahrsog@yahoo.com
(Member, Unity 1999 Parliamentary Election Bloc)
Founding Date: May 23, 1998
Chairman: Karen Demirchian; reelected February 28, 1999
Party Platform: Goals and Objectives: The main goal of the Popular Party of Armenia (PPA) is the strengthening of Armenian independent statehood, the establishment of governance of the people in Armenia and development of the national economy and culture aimed towards the satisfaction of the needs of society.
PPA supports the building of such a socially oriented state based on the establishment of civil society and rule of people. The main values of PPA are national ideology, individual freedom, democracy, justice, and solidarity. PPA will consistently fight for the consolidation of the society, firmly denying any manifestation of cleavage in the society. PPA intends to create a society where the abilities and opportunities of the individual will be fully revealed, where an atmosphere of justice, order and public solidarity will be established, where the security of the state and individual will be protected, where wealth will be secured, and where civil rights and social protection of all citizens will be guaranteed.
PPA supports efficient reforms aimed towards the interests of the people. The party consistently supports patriotic efforts in all spheres of public life. PPA supports the idea of popular socialism which combines the values of public solidarity and democracy and liberty and which denies bureaucracy and the regulation of public and individual activities by the administrative elite.
PPA's motto is "People's power for people," supporting the unalienable right of individuals to decide on the order of society and denying any form of the social structure which is compelled through force and ignores the collective will of the people. The goal of the party is to create a moral-psychological atmosphere in the country where the citizen will fulfill his/her duties towards the motherland consciously and regard it as an honor.
PPA supports the full protection of human rights and the correspondence of national legislation and the overall system of social relations to internationally recognized legal norms and principles of democratic society. The state should be the guarantor and protector of the rights and freedoms of all its citizens. The government should be under the control of the society and be accountable to it. The election of the governmental bodies and officials is the cornerstone of democratic society. The party holds the principle that the executive, legislative and judiciary branches of the government should be separated and their balance and efficient cooperation should be ensured.
The transparency of all structures of government should be promoted and freedom of press guaranteed. The party believes that any encroachment, arbitrary rule or violence over individuals and their property should be excluded.
PPA will promote the establishment of a socially oriented market economy. The regulation of the economy by the state should promote the accomplishment of the national goals and be democratic in its nature. PPA is the proponent of such a socially fair and economically efficient policy on the acquisition of revenues and their distribution among the members of the society which will promote the increase of wealth of the society. The party considers that ethics in the economic activities is as important, as entrepreneurial skills. The social and economic policy of PPA is aimed towards the maximal promotion of the formation of efficient state and property owners. The state should promote the establishment and development of free enterprise in all areas, secure equal opportunities in economic competition for the enterprises with all forms of property.
PPA will focus his attention on the issues of strengthening of the family, protection of maternity and childhood.
Number of Members: 30,000
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: Party has organizations in all 10 marzes of Armenia and Yerevan and has 50 offices
Proposed Candidate in the 1998 Presidential Elections: None. However Karen Demirchian was a candidate and received 30.6% of votes in the first round and 40.5% in the second round. Party was established after the elections.
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: 2
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Moskovian # 24 Telephone: (3742) 58-15-77
Founding Date: 1991
Chairman: Rouben Mirzakhanyan; elected in February 1999
Party Platform: Goals of the party
1. Secure and maintain the independence and sovereignty of Armenia.
2. Restore the territorial integrity of Armenia under Armenian state governance, liberate all Armenian occupied territories
3. Pursue the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide by states and international institutions, as well as acquisition of Armenian land and property compensations from Turkey
4. Apply the dominance of popular will, principles of democracy (ramkavar) and liberalism (azatakan) in Armenia
5. Work for the economic, political, social and cultural prosperity of Armenia.
6. Create political and economic preconditions to realize gathering of all Armenians within Armenia. 7. Strengthen the mutual multifacet ties between Armenia and Diaspora to realize jointly the ultimate functioning of the Armenian people.Number of Members: 1,128
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The Ramkavar Azatakan Party of Armenia has organizations in all 10 marzes of Armenia and Yerevan, and has 5 offices
1995 Parliamentary Elections: Participated both in the proportional and majoritarian lists
Proposed Candidate in the 1996 Presidential Elections: None
Proposed Candidate in the 1998 Presidential Elections: None
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Representation in Central Government: The head of the RA Department on Publication and Information
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Koryuni # 19a
Telephone: (3742) 52-64-03, 52-14-95, 52-53-23
Fax: (3742) 52-64-03, 52 -53-23
(Member, Unity 1999 Parliamentary Election Bloc)
Founding Date: 1990
Chairman: Andranik Margaryan; elected in January, 1999
Party Platform: As its main goal and objectives the party considers:
- establishment and strengthening of Armenian independent national statehood
- establishment of a democratic and social state based on the rule of law
- participation within the framework of the RA Constitution in the processes of the formation and governance of the government
- promotion of stabilization and strengthening of the political atmosphere in Armenia
- supporting the creation of civil society
Number of Members: 7,000
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The Republican Party of Armenia has organizations in all 10 marzes of Armenia and Yerevan and has 68 offices
1995 Parliamentary Elections: Participated both in the proportional and majoritarian lists
Proposed Candidate in the 1996 Presidential Elections: As member of the Republic Bloc, President Levon Ter-Petrossian
Proposed Candidate in the 1998 Presidential Elections: None
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: 49
Representation in Central Government: 2 Ministers and the Head of the Tax Inspection
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: 4 marz governors and 4 heads of Yerevan communities
Newspaper: "Hanrapetakan" (Republican), founded in 1991; now is not published
Headquarters Yerevan, St. Toumanian # 23
Telephone: (3742) 58-00-31, 63-09
Fax: (3742) 58-12-59
Founding Date: March, 1998
Chairman: Arthur Baghdasaryan, elected in 1998
Party Platform: The goals of the Party:
1. To establish a social state based on the rule of law and to guarantee the development of civil society in order to ensure the free, secure, prosperous life of individuals and the protection of his/her rights;
2. To establish/create an open society based on social solidarity, tolerance and partnership built on national values;
3. To establish a powerful, civilized, developed, and competitive state which acts based on national interests in the world.
Objectives:
- To establish balanced legal and public mechanisms which would exclude social polarization;
- Through legal and institutional reforms to provide necessary conditions for socially unprotected and unemployed groups in society;
- To increase the responsibility of the state in such spheres as education, social welfare and health; ? To reform legislation and to create necessary state and public mechanisms in order to ensure that all resources in Armenia, Diaspora and Artsakh are mobilized for the implementation of all national goals;
- To ensure the development of industry which would create new jobs;
- To establish efficient economic structures that are based on a free market and the legal protection of investment and all forms of property;
- To create and develop stable political and legal institutions;
- To develop an independent judiciary;
- To develop necessary legislation and institutions for ensuring freedom and rights of human beings and citizens;
- To ensure necessary legal, political, economic, social, cultural conditions for the self-fulfillment and free activity of an individual;
- To ensure separation of executive, legislative and judicial power and their balanced cooperation;
- To establish the rule of law in the country and to ensure equal opportunity for everyone;
- To assist in the development of free mass media in Armenia;
- To unify intellectuals to be actively involved in solving problems facing a new Armenian independent state;
- To maintain state property over spheres having strategic importance for the sake of national security and state sovereignty;
- To achieve active public participation in the political life of the country;
- To struggle against corruption in government, the black market, clans and other negative tendencies that hinder development in the ROA.
Number of Members: 30,000
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The party has organizations in all 10 marzes of Armenia and in Yerevan and has 50 offices
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential elections: None
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: 3
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: "Orinats Erkir" weekly with 2000 circulation, founded in 1998
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Arshakuniats #2
Telephone: (3742) 56-35-84
(Member, Union of Intellectuals and Socialist Forces 1999 Parliamentary Election Bloc)
Founding Date: 1996
Chairman: Arman Martirossyan, elected in 1996
Party Platform: The Social Democratic Party of Armenia has based its platform on social- democratic principles. It follows the model of the European Social Democratic parties, while including Armenian features.
The Party is a member of the Union of the Armenian Socialist Powers.
Number of Members: 300
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The party has organizations in 3 of 10 marzes (Aragatsotn, Lori, Shirak) and in Yerevan, and has 5 offices.
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential Elections: None
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: "Social Democrat", founded in 1998
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Vardanants # 8
Telephone: (3742) 57-05-54
(Member, the Union of Communist and Socialist Parties 1999 Parliamentary Election Bloc)
Founding Date: January, 1998 The party considers itself the legal successor to the Communist Party of Soviet Armenia, founded in 1920
Chairman: Vazgen Safaryan, elected in March, 1998
Party platform: The party unifies workers, peasants, intellectuals and progressive representatives of other groups of the society. The goals of the party are to mobilize the efforts of the Armenian people to establish the power of the people using constitutional means in order to overcome the difficulties facing Armenia, to ensure a prosperous and dignified life and to implement national and social programs.
Through such programs it will be possible to establish a democratic state in Armenia with an economy where all forms of property are guaranteed and to ensure free education, health services, and social protection of workers. While all these programs are aimed at establishing a democratic social state, the final goal of the party is to build a socialist system in Armenia.
The United Progressive Communist Party of Armenia continues to be loyal to the best traditions of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), although it severely condemns some practices of some CPSU leaders such as cultism, abuse of power, lies, and dictatorship that had a destructive impact on the Party. The United Progressive Communist Party of Armenia aims to create a healthy and friendly atmosphere based on mutual trust and respect inside the Party in order to be able to achieve its goals and objectives.
Number of Members: 3,000
Organizations and offices Nationwide: The party has organizations in 9 of 10 marzes and Yerevan and has 24 offices
1995 Parliamentary Election: Participated as a part of Communist Party of Armenia both in proportional and majoritarian lists
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential Elections: None
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: 1
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: "Kaitser"
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Pavtos Piuzand 1/3
Telephone: (3742) 58-45-22, 58-45-23
(Member, the Law and Unity 1999 Parliamentary Election Bloc)
Founding Date: March, 1989
Chairman: Hrant Khachatryan, elected in 1989
Party Platform: Not available
Number of Members: 820
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The party has organizations in 8 of 10 marzes and in Yerevan and has 10 offices
1995 Parliamentary Election: Participated both in proportional and majoritarian lists
Candidate Proposed in 1996 Presidential Elections: None
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential Election: Hrant Khachatryan, who received 0.29 % of vote in the first round of the election
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: "Iravunq" weekly with 18,000 circulation, founded 1989
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Eznik Koghbatsi 50 a
Telephone: (3742) 53-27-25, 53-27-30 Fax: (3742) 53-26-76
(Member, Union of Intellectuals and Socialist Forces 1999 Parliamentary Election Bloc)Founding Date: 1994 (founded as organization in 1992)
Chairman: Felix Safaryan, elected in 1992
Party Platform: The Union of Intellectuals aims to mobilize intellectuals of Armenia in order to provide them with opportunities to be actively involved in the strengthening of Armenian statehood.
The party focuses its attention particularly on issues related to education, science, and culture and considers the state protection of these spheres as one of the main priorities. The Union of Intellectuals struggles for social protection of intellectuals. Among the most important goals of the party is to struggle for the recognition of the 1915 Armenian Genocide and the restoration of the historical rights of the Armenian nation.
Number of Members: 650
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: Union of Intellectuals has organizations in all 10 marzes of Armenia and in Yerevan and has 11 offices
1995 Parliamentary Election: Registration was denied by the Central Election Commission
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Candidate Proposed in 1996 Presidential Election: None
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential Election: None
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Vardanants # 8
Telephone: (3742) 57-19-41
UNION OF SELF-DETERMINATION (CHRISTIANOCRATS)
INQNOROSHUM MIAVORUM (IM)(Member, AIM+ 1999 Parliamentary Election Bloc)
Founding Date: 1987
Chairman: Paruir Hairikyan, reelected in 1998
Party Platform: The ultimate values of the party are: ? Democracy and the rule of law; ? Self-determination and the equality of each individual. ?
Self-Determination is a poltical organization guided by Christian values. In 1992, the UNSD added the word Christianocrat to its name to signify its commitment to be guided by Christian principles. Since Christian principles encompass democratic tenets, the term Christianocrat also signifies a commitment to democracy.
Number of Members: 9,236
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The party has organizations in all 10 marzes of Armenia and in Yerevan and has 42 offices.
1995 Parliamentary Election: The party participated both in proportional and majoritarian lsits
Candidate Proposed in 1996 Presidential Elections: Withdrew candidate Paruir Hairikyan to support the united opposition candidate Vazgen Manukian (AZHM)
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential Elections: Paruir Hairikyan, who received 5.41% of vote in the first round
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: 2
Representation in Central Government: Paruir Hairikyan is the Chairman of the ROA Presidential Commission on Human Rights and Chairman of the ROA Presidential Commission on Constitutional and Government Reform
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: "Ankakhutiun" circulated only inside the party, founded in 1987
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Grigor Lusavorich #15, Telephone: (3742) 56-33-21 Fax: (3742) 56-29-16 E-Mail: phayrikyan@aimusd.am
Web Page: http://www.aimusd.am
Chairman: Liudmila Harutiunyan
Party Platform: The fundamental principles of the party are the following:
The party acts guided by the principle of openness and partnership and excludes extreme measures.
Goals and objectives
In the sphere of government:
In the economic sphere:
In agricultural spheres:
In the sphere of social policy:
In the spheres of science and education:
In the cultural sphere:
In foreign policy:
Number of Members: Not available; established one month before the election.
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Current number of deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Amirian 4/16, apt. 16
Telephone: (3742) 52 01 56; 53-93-55
(Member, the Union of Communist and Socialist Parties 1999 Parliamentary Election Bloc)
Founding Date: September, 1994Chairman: Janna Manukyan, elected in 1994
Party Platform: Women of the Armenian Land aims:
Number of Members: 375
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The Women of the Armenian Land has organizations in 3 of 10 marzes (Aragatsotn, Armavir, Shirak) and in Yerevan, the UK, and the USA and has 1 office.
1995 parliamentary election: Registration was denied by the Central Electoral Commission.
Candidate Proposed in 1996 Presidential elections: None
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential elections: None
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Antarain #152 a
Telephone: (3742) 58-76-41
Founding Date: February, 1994
Chairman: Armenuhi Gazaryan
Party Platform : The goal of the party is to create a strong Armenian state which has a developed economy, strong military, and ensures the well-being of its citizens. In the sphere of politics the party aims:
In economic spheres the party intends:
On the basis of all forms of property to establish/develop an economic system where all forms of property are protected, to provide normal conditions to work and to live, to ensure equal opportunities to obtain property, to provide necessary conditions for foreign investment in Armenia;
To adopt a new law on land in order to ensure the efficient use of land in Armenia and to organize control over land usage;
To provide state control over the activities of commercial banks, funds, and financial credit organizations;
To take measures to return to the population the investments made in the banks of the Soviet Union In the social spheres:
To provide state financing of educational institutions
To provide free health services to the population and drugs with acceptable prices;
To ensure social protection for veterans, retired people, poor families, and minors.
Number of Members: 3,000
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: One office in Yerevan
1995 Parliamentary Election: Participated in majoritarian list
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Candidate Proposed in 1996 Presidential Elections: None
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential Election: None
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Saryan # 4, apt. 20
Telephone: (3742) 58-41-35
Founding Date: 1991 (established outside of Armenia in 1887)
Chairman: George Hakobyan, elected in 1999
Party Platform : Not available
Number of Members: 3,000
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: The Party has organizations in 5 of 10 marzes (Ararat, Armavir, Lori, Kotaik, Siunik) and in Yerevan, and has 3 offices. The party cooperates with the Social Democratic Hnchiakian Party of Beirut.
1995 Parliamentary Election: Participated both in proportional and majoritarian lists
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: 2
Candidate Proposed in 1996 Presidential Elections: None
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential Election: None
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Pushkin # 70,
Telephone: (3742) 25-17-81, 25-18-81
CONSERVATIVE PARTY
PAHPANOGHAKAN KUSAKTSUTUIN
Founding Date: 1991
Chairman: Michael Hayrapetyan, elected in 1998
Party Platform: The party believes that the future of the Republic of Armenia is its integration into the regional and international community while preserving itsnational features and in building good relations with neighbors. The party is against accepting dual citizenship in Armenia.
Number of Members: 200
Organizations and Offices Nationwide: One office in Yerevan.
1995 Parliamentary Election: None
Current Number of Deputies in the 1995-99 National Assembly: None
Candidate Proposed in 1996 Presidential Elections: None
Candidate Proposed in 1998 Presidential Elections: None
Representation in Central Government: None
Representation in Regional and Local Governments: None
Newspaper: None
Headquarters: Yerevan, St. Tigran Mets # 4, rooms 33-39 Telephone: (3742) 62-90-19