What was the spring 2018 mass mobilization about? Was it not about reintroducing meaningful pluralism into society and the political system? Was it not about creating an atmosphere where people should have choices? Was it not about freedom? Was it not about diversity? Was it not about rejecting a dominant narrative? Was it not about democracy and rights?
Saying “whoever is not with us is against us” undermines plurality of opinions, which is one of the fundamental aspects of democracy. In fact, pluralism is both a prerequisite for consolidating democracy and a sign of healthy functioning basic democratic institutions. We have to agree to disagree. We have to allow people to have their own opinions. Of course, we can try to convince them to join our ranks, if we believe our cause is just. But at the end of the day, any citizen of Armenia should feel free to say “yes, I am with you” or “no, thanks, I am not with you, but I am also not against you.” If I am not white, that does not mean I am automatically black. There are various shades in between, not to mention all the other beautiful colors.
One might argue that such a radical narrative is a temporary necessity of a post-revolutionary transition period: What started in spring 2018 needs to be brought to its logical conclusion by giving Pashinyan’s party an overwhelming victory in snap parliamentary elections. A resounding electoral victory would secure the victory achieved in the streets and would give Pashinyan a strong mandate he needs to dismantle the corrupt system and build a beautiful new Armenia. In other words, bear with the toxic campaign, stick with the “right” movement for a bit longer, and things will start improving after the “right people” become a proper majority government.
I don’t know. I have my doubts about such arguments. Whenever I hear that good ends justify dubious means, I become very uncomfortable. History shows that it’s a slippery slope. Sacrificing essential components of democracy, one tiny bit at a time, in order to build a shiny democracy sometime in the future? I think I have heard that before. And it did not end well…
Lest I end on a gloomy note, let me remind you of my 70/30 position. I am 70 optimistic. I think Armenia made tremendous progress in the past half a year. We are headed for meaningful elections that will reflect the will of the people. That, in and of itself, will have a great positive impact on Armenia. When I was a student at AUA, I had a professor, who used to repeat that all Armenia needs is one free and fair election. Having a government that we elect and perceive as legitimate will be a game changer. On December 10, I will be celebrating, regardless of specific distributions of seats in the National Assembly.
But I do not like the divisive “black or white” tone of the political campaign. I hope that on Election Day people will vote according to their conscience and preferences, and not out of pressure to be with the “right” crowd. There are 11 options to choose from. It is not black or white. Choose freely. Your ballot is secret. No one can label or stigmatize you because of how you vote. This was the whole point of the “Velvet Revolution.”