Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), or Artsakh, serving President Bako Sahakyan on Thursday cast his ballot, at capital city Stepanakert, and in the name of a strong state.

He noted that he is in a very good mood and that he voted for a strong and united state.

“If the people select me, I will continue building a safe and developed Karabakh,” stated Bako Sahakyan, and noted that “the people have manifested great unity, and this comes to prove that Artsakh has chosen the right path to development.”       

Bako Sahakyan also stressed that the people themselves will make their choice. He noted that NKR media have always helped towards the establishment of a democratic and free Artsakh, and expressed a hope that this will continue in the future as well.    

To note, three non-party affiliate candidates are running in Thursday’s presidential elections. They are: Incumbent NKR President Bako Sahakyan, Deputy Director Arkadi Soghomonyan of Academic Activities at the NKR capital Stepanakert Branch of State Agrarian University of Armenia, and NKR National Assembly MP Vitali Balasanyan.

NKR’s previous presidential elections were held on July 19, 2007, and serving President Bako Sahakyan was elected Head of State. According to official figures, he had received 85.12 percent of the total votes.