YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–"There are preconditions for holding a free and fair election," presidential candidate and National Democratic Union chairman Vazgen Manoukian told students and the teaching staff of the Yerevan State University–Tuesday.
The candidate maintained that the mechanisms of the system created by the Ter-Petrosyan administration still exist–as well as people who were involved in that system. Manoukian compared the current system to feudalism when everything was possessed by a small group of people. However–that comparison was met with disapproval.
Asked to comment on his pro-Western orientation–Manoukian said that the division of candidates by their geopolitical orientations is a sign of provincialism. Manoukian felt that a new president should ensure national unity and promote cooperation between all parties. The candidate warned those present against any nostalgic feeling when going to the polls. According to him–the path of nostalgia will not lead to anything since the world changed a long time ago.
In response to numerous questions regarding military obligation–Manoukian said that Armenia needs a strong army and well-educated students to be able to operate modern technical equipment.