Was withdrawal of candidacy forced by regional governor?
Kapan's incumbent mayor, ARF member Artur Atayan, who previously nominated himself, has submitted an application for withdrawal of his candidacy. Chairman of the district election commission No 38 Sergay Sargsyan told A1+ that an empowered representative of Artur Atayan presented the mayor's application about an hour ago, but Mr. Sargsyan could not give any reason for the withdrawal of candidacy.
A1+ attempted to contact Artur Atayan, but failed to do so. According to some information, he was unable to resist pressure of regional governor of Syunik Marz (Province) Suren Khachatryan.
By the way, the mayor issued a statement about the withdrawal of his candidacy, which reads:
"Dear residents of Kapan.
I nominated myself for Kapan mayor in the local government elections to be held on September 9. I was sure that my activities in the past four years and my careful attitude towards the community and each of its residents would allow me to be re-elected and continue to implement my programs in the next four years.
I thought that civilized elections would be held, with each candidate given the opportunity to organize the electoral process in the manner prescribed by law.
However, the atmosphere in the regional center is becoming strained day by day and unacceptable methods are being used to obtain votes of Kapan residents. The people who take my side are subjected to psychological and financial pressure.
The post of mayor is not an end in itself for me so I cannot continue my electoral struggle under such a heavy burden and endanger the moral and psychological atmosphere and interpersonal relations in the regional center.
I would not like my friends and supporters to suffer because of me.
And I cannot allow hostility and betrayal to take root in my birthplace. I am sure that thousands of Kapan residents have the same opinion as me and will not blame me.
I want to believe that the statements made to the effect that in a year we will have a Kapan changed beyond recognition will become true. And if it my party affiliation only that hinders this, then I find it expedient to give up my post. I abandon my electoral struggle in the name of Kapan and its residents.
I thank all residents of Kapan who stood by me and apologize to them for not living up to their expectations. I assure you that I will henceforth do everything possible for my city and my friends".
