Civil Contract to Form Alliance with Arush Arushanyan’s Party in Goris Elections

GORIS — Goris Mayor Arush Arushanyan will not run on the ruling Civil Contract party’s electoral list. Instead, Civil Contract will form an alliance with the party through which Arushanyan will be nominated, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a government briefing.

“We have proceeded with the logic of avoiding renewed tensions during the elections in Goris. And yes, the people of Goris are primarily the authors of this decision through their votes,” Pashinyan said.

“We have decided to pursue a path of reconciliation, not for the sake of Civil Contract or Arush Arushanyan, but for the citizens of Goris, demonstrating that we also listen to their voice, no matter how difficult that may be.”

Pashinyan explained that in Armenia’s 2021 national elections, voters in Goris supported the ruling party, while in local elections they backed Arushanyan.

According to the prime minister, that contrast in voting preferences has created continuing political tension in the community.

“This is a case in which, in a sense, we have also been compelled by the people and the citizens of Goris. In these elections as well, Goris voted for the Civil Contract party. We constantly receive signals from Goris asking why we continue to pursue processes based on confrontation,” Pashinyan said.

Arush Arushanyan is the current head of the Goris community.