STEPANAKERT: The Armenian National Committee of Australia has congratulated newly-elected President of the Republic of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan after the country's former Prime Minister won in the second round of voting to ensure he would replace Bako Sahakyan.
Harutyunyan and Artsakh's Foreign Minister Masis Mayilyan achieved first and second place from a healthy field of 14 candidates during the first round of voting, which showcased the nation's robust democracy with over 70% of eligible voters braving coronavirus fears to register their vote. As neither of the candidates managed to achieve over 50% of votes in the first round, the top two participated in a run-off that resulted in the victory for Harutyunyan.
Arayik Harutyunyan, who is a tertiary-qualified economist with a strong background in financial governance, visited Australia in 2018 as Artsakh's Minister of State, j
oining the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) for meetings with Federal, State and Local political leaders, as well as Armenian-Australian community and business leaders.
"We congratulate the heroic people of the Republic of Artsakh on their successful elections during what is a difficult time for a world battling the coronavirus," said ANC-AU Executive Director Haig Kayserian. "Their continued commitment to democracy, as exhibited twice during this period, is the greatest expression by a fledgling nation in their just battle for recognition."
"We extend our warmest congratulations to Mr. Arayik Harutyunyan on behalf of Armenian-Australians," added Kayserian. "He has achieved the honour to lead the heart and soul of the global Armenian nation, and we look forward to continuing our working relationship with him to ensure the maintenance and security of Artsakh's rights to self-determination."
"We would also like to congratulate all candidates, as well as former President Mr. Bako Sahakyan for his leadership over the past decade, which has had to include the successful defence of Artsakh against regular attempts to occupy indigenous Armenian land by force by autocratic neighbour Azerbaijan," he added.
During the elections, the people of the Republic of Artsakh also voted in a new Parliament, which includes five parties and alliances who will share 33 seats at the National Assembly in Stepanakert.
Kayserian added: "We congratulate all five parties and their candidates who make up what is a competitive new Parliament in the Republic of Artsakh, and the envy of many neighbouring countries."
