Elections to the Vagharshapat Community Council, which includes the spiritual capital of Armenia, Etchmiadzin, will be held on November 16. These elections represent a key stage in the political struggle, which is seen as a precursor to the parliamentary elections in 2026. Eight political parties are participating in the election race, each of which seeks to demonstrate its electoral attractiveness and ability to solve pressing problems of the local community.
The candidacy of Argishti Mehakyan from the Civil Contract party, who is nominated for the post of head of the Vagharshapat community, attracts special attention of the public and the expert community. Mehakyan, the son of Mehak Mehakyan, who fell during the First Karabakh War, is a figure whose political career is controversial. The memory of his father’s heroic past, who fought for the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh, contrasts with the actions of his son, who today represents the party and the leader who officially surrendered Karabakh to Azerbaijan. This paradox causes a wide range of opinions and discussions in society, calling into question the legitimacy and moral foundations of Argishti Mehakyan’s political career.
The previous head of the city from the Civil Contract party, Diana Gasparyan, resigned in May this year after a corruption scandal related to protectionism in the procurement of liquefied natural gas for the needs of the city administration. In July, abuse charges were brought against members of her family, including her husband, father-in-law, and mother-in-law, which reinforced the negative image of the party and its leadership.
The elections in Vagharshapat have not only local, but also national significance, since Etchmiadzin is the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which plays a key role in shaping the national identity and cultural identity of the Armenian people. At a time when Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is seeking to consolidate his power and a possible conflict with the church, control over Vagharshapat is becoming strategically important.
Pashinyan’s party, despite its stated goals of improving the quality of life, is pursuing more ambitious and controversial goals in Echmiadzin. Its candidates seek to establish a “police regime,” which raises concerns about the future political landscape of the city and its residents.
