Tensions rise ahead of rector elections at Vanadzor State University

Tensions are mounting at Vanadzor’s Tumanyan State University as the institution prepares for upcoming rector elections. Reports suggest that Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party is seeking to install its preferred candidate, sparking controversy within the university community.

In 2020, then-Minister of Education Arayik Harutyunyan welcomed the election of Rustam Sahakyan as rector, praising his return to Armenia after years of academic work abroad. However, Sahakyan has reportedly resisted political pressures from the ruling party and sought to keep the university independent of politics. Insiders tell Panorama.am that his refusal has now made him a target.

Amid this backdrop, former Lori Governor and current Deputy Interior Minister Aram Ghazaryan is said to have encouraged Armen Tsaturyan, director of Vanadzor’s Eureka School, to run for rector. Tsaturyan, the brother of a physics teacher currently under arrest, confirmed his candidacy to Panorama on Tuesday, but denied being persuaded by political figures. “This is my decision. Those who know me can say I am not someone who can be convinced by others,” he stated.

Speculation has grown that Tsaturyan’s candidacy is being supported to strengthen the ruling party’s position ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. He dismissed the claims, stressing that politics has no place in universities.

Remarkably, Tsaturyan’s bid is reportedly backed not only by ruling party members, but also by opposition MP Armenuhi Kyureghyan, a member of the university’s board of trustees, as well as former Lori Governor Henrik Kochinyan.