New Tensions Emerge in Sisian: "Hraparak"

The newspaper "Hraparak" reports: "In the local elections in Sisian, none of the five political forces that surpassed the electoral threshold received more than 50 percent of the votes. The highest number was received by the ruling Civil Contract party (CP) with 4,093 votes, followed by the ‘Labor and Justice’ alliance with 2,693 votes, led by former Sisian mayor Artur Sargsyan’s associate. ‘Living Country,’ under the leadership of businessman Ara Zakaryan, secured 2,307 votes, while Artur Ghazinyan's ‘One Armenia’ received 979 votes, and Arman Babajanyan's ‘For the Republic’ alliance got 794 votes. A total of 21 mandates will be distributed. To elect the mayor, 11 votes are required.

CP will receive 8 mandates, but yesterday there was fierce competition over one mandate. Initially, CP was entitled to 7 mandates, but following disputed calculations, they managed to secure an additional mandate. However, typically, the extra mandate is awarded to the party with the lowest number of votes. Nonetheless, this additional mandate does not change the overall situation. The ‘Labor and Justice’ alliance will obtain 5 mandates, along with 2 mandates from Artur Ghazinyan, bringing the radical opposition's total to 7 mandates against CP's 8. Additionally, Arman Babajanyan will receive another 2 mandates.

However, the decisive factor will be the 4 mandates from the ‘Living Country’ party. Whomever this party aligns with will form the government. It is worth noting that prior to the elections, the ‘Living Country’ declared that under no circumstances would they form a coalition with CP. Nevertheless, if they also do not join the opposition, it will indirectly support CP, as Prime Minister Pashinyan has reserved the right to appoint an acting mayor within 20 days as per the law.

We have been informed that businessman Ara Zakaryan has close contacts with Khachatur Sukiasyan, and it cannot be ruled out that he may bypass the party's ban and form a coalition with CP."

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