Those wishing to register as candidates for the upcoming mayoral election in Vanadzor have from August 5-10 to do so.

But there’s already a pre-election day atmosphere in this northern Armenian town.

Prosperous Armenia (BHK) is the only party that has nominated its candidate for the job – former Deputy Director the BHK’s Vanadzor Office Edik Karakhanyan.

While the Heritage Party had decalred that it would be actively participating in a number of local municipal elections, Garnik Sahakyan, who runs the party’s regional office in Vanadzor, says that they have yet to discuss the matter.

Another individual toying with the idea of running is Taron Apresyan, Director of Orange Armenia’s branch office in Vanadzor.

Apresyan has yet to make a final decision but argues that it’s time for a change in Vanadzor.

Then there’s businessman Gagik Hovsepyan. He’s says he’ll throw his name into the hat if he sees other candidates whose victory would harm the town. Hovsepyan didn’t name names.

Seyran Harutyunyan is another perennial candidate who has decided to run yet again.

Samvel Darbinyan, the current mayor, told Hetq that he’s still waiting to see if the ruling Republican Party will back his re-election bid.