Bridging the Gaps in Armenia's Political Space: the Political Party System after the 'Velvet Revolution'

Abstract

Armenia's 'Velvet Revolution' further underlined the inherent flaws in Armenia's political space. Political parties had lost touch with their voter base and had broadly failed to fulfil their functions. Consolidation was reached not in the political, but in the public field. The civic activist base played a crucial role in the revolution, raising further questions as to the relevance of political parties. However, with a switch to a parliamentary system of governance, the role of the parliament - and the political parties - has become crucial. For the parliamentary democracy system to gain traction, political parties will need to adapt and develop institutionally - both separately and as a whole - in the process and work closely with civil society more broadly.