Pre-Election Processes in Artsakh Enter Complex Phase Filled with Tense Situations

According to the "Fact" newspaper, "Interesting developments are taking place in Artsakh. We had previously reported that in the presidential elections to be held in Artsakh, former commander of the Defense Army Samvel Babayan was trying to run as a candidate. Mainly, the names of Gagik Nazlukhanyan, head of the Stepanakert municipality staff, and Gagik Bagunts, a former representative of the 'Movement 88', were circulating.

In the final phase, the focus was on Nazlukhanyan (this information published by the newspaper was also confirmed by Babayan in a clarification given to Artsakhinfo). Moreover, an extraordinary congress was even scheduled for February 9. However, on that day, the attendees were informed that the intended statement would not be made, as changes had occurred in the agenda, likely supporting a candidate from another force.

Many in Artsakh were puzzled by how unreasonable it was to convene an extraordinary congress and say at the last moment that today it would not be possible to announce their candidate. In fact, the issue is different. According to the newspaper’s Artsakh sources, Masis Mayilyan, who does not see a chance of winning in the presidential elections under the current circumstances, has decided that his chances will only increase after uniting with Babayan. In turn, Babayan wants to ensure a strong presence in the parliament so that, in case of failure in the presidential elections, they have a significant number of mandates together with Mayilyan, which would create problems for the current authorities.

According to the newspaper, a few days ago, Mayilyan and Babayan secretly met in a 'neutral zone'. In fact, the pre-election processes in Artsakh are entering a complex phase filled with tense situations.

For more details, refer to today’s issue of the newspaper.