Armenia to hold local elections in 46 communities next year

Armenia will hold local government elections in 46 communities next year, including 10 regional capitals, the country’s Central Electoral Commission (CEC) reports.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, CEC Chairman Vahagn Hovakimyan said preparations were underway for major local elections scheduled for the autumn of next year.

Elections under a majoritarian system will take place only in communities predominantly populated by national minorities, he said. They include Lermontovo, Fioletovo, Ferik, Shamiram, Arevut, Arzni and several others.

Proportional local elections are expected in a number of regional centers, including Artashat, Ashtarak, Armavir, Gavar, Hrazdan, Vanadzor, Ijevan, Kapan and Yeghegnadzor. With the exception of Gyumri, all other regional capitals are expected to hold elections, Hovakimyan added.

The CEC has already approved potential voting dates for the local elections: the last Sundays of September (27 September), October (25 October) and November (29 November). It has not yet been decided which communities will vote on which dates.