The election campaign period officially kicked off Wednesday for the candidates who are registered in the September 9 local government elections to be held in Armenia’s Ararat, Armavir, Lori, Shirak, and Syunik regions. The campaigning will continue until September 7.

Some registered candidates, however, decided not to continue in the election race. These nominees also include three mayoral candidates, Pastinfo News Agency informs.     

Self-nominated—and ruling Republican Party (RPA)-member—Samvel Mikayelyan has submitted a formal candidacy-withdrawal petition in Agarak city of Syunik Region. As a result, RPA-nominated incumbent Mayor and RPA member Mkhitar Zakaryan has remained as Agarak’s sole mayoral candidate.

Separately, self-nominated and non-party-affiliate Rafayel Lalayan likewise submitted a candidacy-withdrawal petition, but this time in Kajaran city of the aforesaid region. Hence, RPA-nominated incumbent Mayor and RPA member Vardan Gevorgyan remained as Kajaran’s sole mayoral candidate.  

And self-nominated RPA member Khachik Sahakyan withdrew his candidacy from the four mayoral candidates in Vedi city of Ararat Region.

To note, the candidates can formally withdraw from the local government elections up until August 30.