Local elections in Artsakh are scheduled for September 18, but it’s the mayoral election in Stepanakert, the capital, that’s attracting the most interest – at least from outside observers.

Residents of Stepanakert don’t seem too excited – almost 25% of the 36,000 registered voters, in a recent poll, said they wouldn’t participate in local elections at all if given their druthers.

As to the chances of the candidates in the mayoral race, the Nor Ej (New Page) newspaper polled 120 voters about their preferences

Souren Grigoryan, currently the government’s chief of staff, received 27.5%.

Edward Aghabegyan, a former Stepanakert mayor, received 17.5%.

Marat Hasratyan received 7.5%

28.3% said they were still undecided and 18.3% said they would vote for none of the above.