February 18 presidential election may be postponed

No official statement has so far been issued in connection with the incident that occurred with the presidential candidate, Chairman of National Self-Determination Union (AIM) Paruyr Hayrikian.

Nevertheless, it is not ruled out that the presidential election scheduled for February 18 may be postponed.
In accordance with Article 52 of the Constitution and Article 98 of the Electoral Code, in the event that one of the presidential candidates faces insurmountable obstacles, the election shall be postponed for two weeks. In the event that insurmountable obstacles are not eliminated, a new election shall be appointed and the voting shall be held on the fortieth day following the expiration of the two-week period.

The Electoral Code says that a new presidential election shall be held by the new nomination of candidates, in the order prescribed by the Code for extraordinary elections.

The possibility of postponing the election is conditioned by Paruyr Hayrikian’s health: if he recovers rapidly and continues his election campaign, there will be no need to postpone the election.

The assault on Paruyr Hayrikian has already been assessed by the head of the incumbent President, presidential candidate Serzh Sargsyan’s campaign headquarters as a provocation aimed at discrediting the peaceful election.

Source: Pastinfo news agency.