The situation has become extremely tense in Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), Armenia, in the lead-up to the forthcoming mayoral election in the town.

Armenian News-NEWS.am has learned that shots were fired in the city, on Friday night.

According to the information spread in Etchmiadzin, at around 11pm, shots were fired on the vehicle of incumbent Mayor Karen Grigoryan. He was in the car with his brother.

There is information that the shots were fired by mayoral candidate Artur Tumanyan, and the nephew of former Mayor Hrachik Abgaryan.

Later, a fight started between them, during which Tumanyan and Abgaryan were injured. They are hospitalized.

Karen Grigoryan’s office told Armenian News-NEWS.am that police are dealing with this incident, and we need to follow the course of the respective investigation.

Hrachik Abgaryan, however, spoke to us and denied that his nephew and mayoral candidate Artur Tumanyan had fired on Grigoryan’s vehicle.

“Abgaryan and Tumanyan were beaten,” he said. “They are now in hospital.”

Hrachik Abgaryan added that tension continues in Vagharshapat, and police are overseeing the situation.

The mayoral election in the town will be conducted on Sunday.