Eights Candidates Certified to Run in Armenia’s Presidential Elections

YEREVAN — Armenia’s Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has certified eight candidates out of the fifteen who originally registered, as eligible to appear on the ballot for the presidential election slated for February 18.

The 48 hours, which the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) had given to eight presidential hopefuls in order to pay the AMD 8 million (approx. $20,000) collateral to be able to run, have expired on Thursday. Seven candidates were disqualified for not having presented proof of paying the state registration fee .
The eight candidates in the running are: Leader of the Republican Party of Armenia, incumbent President Serzh Sarkisian, President of the National Self-Determination Union Paruyr Hayrikian, President of the “Heritage” Party Raffi Hovhannisian, President of the “Liberty Party,” MP Hrant Bagratian, President of the “National Accord” Party Aram Harutyunian, Adviser on Political Issues of the “Refugees and International Law” NGO Arman Melikian, Specialist of epic Vardan Sedrakian and Chairman of the “Radio Hay” Board Andrias Ghukasian.
The election campaign starts on January 21 and will end on February 16.