Three opposition factions of Artsakh nominate Samvel Shahramanyan as a presidential candidate

Three opposition factions of Artsakh –Justice, ARF-D and Democratic Party of Artsakh – have nominated State Minister Samvel Shahramanyan as a presidential candidate.

“Three forces had a meeting with Samvel Shahramanyan. Today we have already submitted his candidacy to the staff of the National Assembly,” Metaxe Hakobyan said.

The MP mentioned that the ruling force, the Free Motherland faction, also met with Samvel Shahramanyan yesterday, but she could not say whether the party would nominate Shahramanyan or not.

“I believe the ruling force realizes the importance of unity, and I hope they will make the right decision,” she said.

Meanwhile, head of the United Motherland faction, the second largest force of the parliament, Samvel Babayan said on the radio station Azatutyun that he would take part in a meeting of the National Assembly on the agenda of the presidential election, but would not vote for the candidate.
The meeting of the National Assembly regarding the presidential election will most likely be held on September 9.

Prior to resigning, Arayik Harutyunyan dismissed Gurgen Nersisyan from the post of State Minister and appointed Secretary of the Security Council Samvel Shahramanyan to this position, giving him broad powers.

Chair of the National Assembly will perform the duties of President until elections.