Leader Naira Zohrabyan Headquarters Yerevan, Armenia | Founded 30 April 2004 Political position Centre-right | |
Ideology Economic liberalism
Social conservatism
Pro-Russian European affiliation Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe | ||
Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP; Armenian: Բարգավաճ Հայաստան կուսակցություն, Bargavatch Hayastan kusaktsut’yun, abbreviated as ԲՀԿ BHK), is a political party in Armenia. It was founded by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan on 30 April 2004, when the constituent congress of the party took place.
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Armenia's second president Robert Kocharyan was instrumental in creation of the party (some claiming Kocharyan himself established it). Kocharyan's influence and role in the party is a subject of debate. In 2012 "most analysts" believed Kocharyan was "closely involved in the party." Some "believe that Kocharyan is the secret leader of the party", while others believe he has no influence over PAP.
Power base
According to sociologist Karen Sargsyan the party base largely consists of provincial rural population. Kotayk Province is widely considered its stronghold. During the 2012 parliamentary election, Prosperous Armenia came first and won around 47.5% of the vote in that province, well above the national average of 30%. While in the 28th electoral district, which includes the city of Abovyan and several surrounding villages, the party won over 71%.
Electoral record
It debuted in the 2007 Armenian parliamentary elections, winning 18 seats and 14.68% of the votes, making it the second largest political party in parliament. In the 2012 Armenian parliamentary elections, it more than doubled its share of the vote to 30.12%, winning 37 seats and solidifying its position as the main opposition party.