Potato vote

Armenian politicians have been accused of buying votes in forthcoming elections with gifts of potatoes.

The allegations come after the Flourishing Armenia party led by Gagik Tsarukian, one of the richest men in the country, followed other parties by announcing it was giving the vegetables and medical supplies following a drought as acts of "charity".

Opponents in the former Soviet state, where the average annual income is £750, said the handouts were cynical attempts by the elite to stay in power.

Shavarsh Kocharian, an MP, told Armenianow.com: "Hungry people will swear by the name of the person who helps them."

Under Armenian law, parties are allowed to launch charitable campaigns six months before elections. Previous polls have seen sugar, flour and grain handed out.