What are the sentiments in Vagharshapat? Who will unite?
Strong self-confidence and a competitive spirit are observed among the candidates in the Vagharshapat Council of Elders elections. Vahram Avagyan, the mayoral candidate of the “Azat Demokratner” (Free Democrats) party, declares that his party does not plan to form a coalition with any other political force.
“Any force can form a coalition with us, but we will not join anyone. Our programs concern only our community and our people,” said Avagyan, adding that their goal is to make Vagharshapat a city commensurate with its status.
In contrast to this stance, Arkadi Paytyan, the candidate from the “Zharangutyun” (Heritage) party, expresses readiness to cooperate with opposition forces to prevent the victory of the “Civil Contract” party.
“We will cooperate with all opposition forces to halt the reproduction of the current government,” he noted, emphasizing that any cooperation with the “Civil Contract” and “Hanrapetutyun” (Republic) parties is excluded.
Paytyan simultaneously assured that his party is participating in the elections with the expectation of an absolute victory and that they have not experienced any pressure during the pre-election period, except for “slander” from the “Hanrapetutyun” party.
The Council of Elders elections are being held today in the enlarged Vagharshapat community. 47 polling stations have been opened, with 8 political forces participating. According to the Central Electoral Commission (CEC), 69,866 citizens have the right to vote in the community, and 6 observation organizations are monitoring the process.