9 candidates nominated for 19 February 2008 presidential elections ahead of 6 December deadline, including PM Serzh Sarkisian and former president Levon Ter-Petrossian. Group backing Ter-Petrossian, Legitimate- President 2008, demanded PM Sarkisian resign to level electoral playing field 4 December. State pressure on independent media intensified: bomb exploded in offices of opposition newspaper Chorrord Ishkhanutyun 13 December, following reported threats from PM officials; several hundreds rallied in Gyumri late December insupport of Gala TV, threatened with closure for pro-Ter-Petrossian coverage. OSCE and Armenian media group condemned attacks on independent media and pro-Sarkisian media bias.

National Assembly amended election law 5 November, abolishing nomination of a presidential candidate by party blocs or civil society and increasing campaign spending limits. PM Serzh Sarkisian confirmed as ruling Republican party chairman and presidential candidate 10 November. 11 parties announced support of former president Ter-Petrossian’s candidacy 16 October. Young pro-Ter- Petrosian activist assaulted 15 November.

Former president Levon Ter Petrosian announced presidential candidacy at mass rally in Yerevan; repeated strong criticism of current government and Nagorno-Karabakh policy. President Kocharian relieved judge Ohanian of duties on Council of Justice advice: series of irregularities in some 20 court cases cited, but supporters said punished for his acquittal of 2 businessmen who alleged high-level customs corruption.

Former President Ter-Petrosian signalled may run in 2008 presidential elections; criticised government’s Nagorno- Karabakh policy and called regime corrupt and criminal.

Law restricting re-broadcasting of foreign media failed in parliament after opponents boycotted voting.

Republican Party, despite winning outright majority in May parliamentary elections, signed coalition agreement with Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) and cooperation deal with Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun (ARF) 6 June. BHK and ARF to have 3 ministerial portfolios each. Constitutional Court rejected opposition appeals for partial recounts and reruns of polls.

Ruling Republican Party won 64 seats of 131 in 12 May parliamentary elections. Pro-presidential parties, Prosperous Armenia and Armenian Revolutionary Federation, won 24 and 15 seats; opposition parties, Rule of Law and Inheritance, 10 and 7. Alliance Party and 9 independent MPs also won seats. OSCE observers said elections “clear improvement” despite shortcomings. Opposition complained of pre-poll intimidation including 7 May arrest of campaigner.

Defence Minister Serzh Sarkisian appointed PM 4 April. Campaign for 12 May parliamentary elections began amid several apparently election-related violent incidents including 12 April attack on Prosperous Armenia Party local offices. Assassination attempt 3 April on Gyumri mayor killed 3.

Entire government resigned en masse, as required by constitution, following unexpected death from heart attack of PM Andranik Markarian 25 March.

European Court of Human Rights ruled 2002 arrest of opposition activist Armen Mkrtchian illegal, undermining legality of massive detentions in aftermath of 2003 presidential elections. Parliamentary elections set for 12 May.