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If you’re frustrated and/or unsure how to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections, you’re probably in the majority. This article is meant to help you move away from anger and confusion. Your choice matters. Let’s look at how to make calm, reasoned choices at the ballot box.
First order of business: social media hygiene. Stop using social media for political information. It isn’t meant for that, and it’s manipulative by default. A huge percentage of politics-related content on social media is junk. Candidates’ behavior on social media can factor into your voting decision (more on that below), but I hope to convince you there are other, more productive factors to consider.
Second, decide whether you want to vote “for” or “against.” This might sound strange. Technically, we’re all going to vote “for” one of the 18 candidates, but there’s an important psychological nuance here. Some of us feel the best use of our vote is to “punish” a candidate we dislike. This is what I mean by voting “against.” We’ll discuss it at the end of the article, because I first want to encourage you to think positively about voting “for”. But if that doesn’t work, by all means, use your vote to show your disagreement.
Third, decide whether the “small players” are worth your attention. For some, the elections are a contest between two or three primary rivals. If you want to make sure your vote is part of the “big game” of forming the next executive, your choices are limited. They are also fairly simple, because the differences between the “big players” in the upcoming elections are stark. If you focus on the “big players,” you’re likely back to the previous question: “for” or “against?” That’s alright. Voting is a messy decision that may take a few iterations. Just think it through, weigh the arguments, and honestly acknowledge your emotions. If you really dislike one of the “big players,” your only choice may be the other “big player,” who has a chance of defeating the candidate you dislike. Isn’t that a sad choice, though?
This brings us to my main motivation for writing this article. As a political scientist, I want to argue that (a) parliamentary opposition is vital and (b) “small players” matter. To me, it’s unfortunate that many in Armenia interpret parliamentary elections as a “winner-take-all” affair.
Of course, elections are about forming the next executive. But they are equally about forming the legislature. The party that comes in second does not “lose”; it assumes the crucial role of leading the parliamentary opposition. Armenia desperately needs strong political opposition. Even if outnumbered and unable to influence major decisions, it should still provide constructive criticism and alternative policy visions. Having seats in the National Assembly is both a privilege and a responsibility!
For some voters, only the “big players” matter. That is a personal choice and a sacred right. But in a proportional-representation parliamentary system, small parties matter too. Armenian legislation (Electoral Code 95.4) requires at least three political forces in the National Assembly. The “small players” compete for that role. A seat in parliament will give them the much-needed “political oxygen” to remain relevant in Armenia’s political landscape. A parliament with multiple political parties will give us, the citizens of this country, a much-needed diversity of perspectives.
Small parties matter because they represent the views of those who don’t feel represented by the “big players.” They broaden the expertise of MPs who serve on committees and debate draft legislation. Depending on the final distribution of seats, they may become crucial coalition partners or temporary allies in passing legal acts that require a supermajority. If there is a candidate you think would make a good MP, don’t let the thought of them not winning enough votes to form a government discourage you. Yes, there is a risk they won’t cross the 4% threshold, but your vote will still matter to them. They might cross the 2% threshold and receive state funding for the next five years. At the very least, they may feel encouraged simply knowing somewhere out there trusted them with their vote, and that might encourage them to keep going.
Once you have decided if you want to focus on “big players” or are willing to consider “small players” as well, you might still be wondering how to choose.
Look at their record. Many candidates have been in politics for a while, and some have experience governing the country. You have experienced the results of their actions firsthand. People who have lived in this country longer than you might be a good source of information as well. Politics is not rocket science, it’s about our lived experiences. That’s the beauty of the idea that people choose their government, with all the risks, disappointments, and potential future troubles that come with it.
Look at their current performance, including how they campaign. This is where social media might play a role, though I would still caution you against conflating social media presence with reality. Still, if you, like me, are disturbed by some of the online behavior and lexicon, show that with your vote.
Look at their promises. This is classic political science (ideology- or issue-based voting) that has always been very hard to apply in Armenia. But that seems to be changing. Election candidates differ in their foreign policy positions. I would also argue that they differ in their attitudes toward democracy and the rule of law, although that is harder to pinpoint.
If none of this is helpful and you still feel that you are “against” rather than “for” any of the candidates, please act on that. We already discussed voting “against” a “big player” you dislike by supporting another “big player.” The two other options are voting for a candidate who explicitly campaigns on that sentiment. I have to admit that I appreciate the humor. But if you are against everyone, including “against everyone,” please vote by invalidating your ballot. Article 67.3 of the Electoral Code states that you should put the ballot into the envelope without folding it. Logically, folding the ballot should invalidate it. But if you want to be sure, you can get even more creative: put a few folded ballots together and/or take a pen with you and write “INVALID” across your folded ballot. Draw a smiling face. Put a sticker on it…
To make it clear, I am not in favor of invalid votes. But if that is your choice, you have my full respect for exercising it proactively. That is citizenship. That is agency. That is what Armenia needs. Please vote!
