Acting Mayor of Gyumri Questions Validity of New Elections Amidst Public Outcry
Gyumri, Shirak Province, Armenia, July 16 – Avetis Arakelyan, the acting mayor of Gyumri, has publicly challenged the notion of holding new elections in the city, expressing disbelief at the possibility of invalidating over 30,000 votes cast by residents. His comments come in response to Prime Minister Pashinyan’s recent statements indicating the necessity for new elections in Gyumri.
Arakelyan, speaking to journalists, emphasized the significant number of votes received by political forces and individuals in the previous elections. “To this day, we cannot imagine the mechanism by which more than 30,000 votes cast for political forces and individuals can be disregarded, and some changes made in the city of Gyumri,” Arakelyan stated, underscoring the deep concern within the local political landscape.
Administrative Changes and Staffing Issues
The acting mayor also addressed ongoing administrative changes and staffing shortages within the Gyumri City Hall. He revealed that the Ministry of Territorial Administration had conducted inspections, particularly focusing on personnel. The findings of these inspections are expected to be shared with parliamentary factions.
Arakelyan highlighted that the focus of the inspections was largely on agents and experts inherited from previous administrations. He noted that as early as December 2025, the Council of Elders had decided to increase the number of staff positions. However, seven months later, these positions have yet to be provided. “We have a shortage of employees, but after seven months, we still haven’t been given those positions. Give us our positions so we can make the reductions and then fill the vacancies,” Arakelyan urged.
He further clarified that the city has been operating under these conditions since 2025 to prevent the paralysis of municipal work. “The day we get the positions, we will implement that change, although there are experts who should remain,” he added, indicating a commitment to maintaining essential services.
Concerns Over Community Enlargement and Electoral Differences
Arakelyan also raised concerns about potential plans to merge an administrative community with Gyumri, which he deemed unacceptable. He warned against confusing nationwide elections with local self-government (LSG) elections, stating that city elections always present a different picture than national polls.
His remarks suggest a potential strategy by some to alter the electoral landscape of Gyumri through administrative restructuring, which Arakelyan and his supporters view as an attempt to undermine the democratic process and the will of the local electorate.
Gagik Tsarukyan’s Case and Related Developments
In a related development, Gagik Tsarukyan, a prominent figure in Armenian politics, has reportedly not accepted the charges against him. The decision to initiate criminal prosecution against him was made without overcoming his immunity, according to recent reports. This situation adds another layer of complexity to the political climate, especially given Tsarukyan’s influence and the ongoing discussions about electoral integrity.
The political situation in Gyumri remains tense, with the acting mayor firmly defending the results of the previous elections and advocating for the city’s interests against what he perceives as external pressures and attempts to manipulate the electoral process.
