For a moment, let us detach ourselves from the Armenian reality and try to assess the following developments through the lens of political science.
A country is holding elections. The leader of the largest opposition force is facing criminal charges and is under house arrest.
The leader of the ruling force participating in the election threatens to imprison and punish opposition leaders.
The ruling party makes the removal of a religious leader a central pledge of its election platform, despite constitutional constraints.
Through a post-election action, the Central Electoral Commission deprives one of the opposition parties of the opportunity to enter parliament. Proceedings to confiscate the assets of that party's leader are then launched.
The prosecutor brings criminal cases against opposition leaders and political figures.
The opposition deputies are stripped of their immunity. The court then orders their detention.
The judiciary, law enforcement bodies and other public institutions, including state-funded media, serve the interests of the ruling party.
A number of court experts and activists are likewise engaged in justifying the actions of those in power.
. . .
Indeed, forget the Armenian reality for a moment: what term would political scientists use to describe such a situation?
Karen Harutyunyan











