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Three opposition parties signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at joint administration of Vanadzor, the third largest city of Armenia in the aftermath of local municipal elections, in which the ruling Republican Party is left in minority despite gaining the most votes among the parties.

To note, in the result of the municipal elections, held in Vanadzor in October 2, the three opposition parties jointly secured 18 seats in the 31-member Council of Elders, which practically enables them to form a majority in the City Council, nominate a candidate for the city Mayor, leaving the ruling Republican Party and outgoing mayor in minority with only 13 council seats.

According to the released text of the memorandum, signed by representatives of Bright Armenia, Prosperous Armenia and Armenian Renaissance parties, at the first upcoming session of the city Council of Elders, the opposition parties will univocally support the candidacy of Krist Marukyan for the position of Vanadzor Mayor, the first number of Bright Armenia party list.

The released text of the memorandum sets out a five-year strategic development plan for Vanadzor ‘based on effective administration principles’.

The parties also vow to implement ‘transparent, accountable and participatory administration’ of the city to ensure the sustainable development of the city, exclude corruption risks and conflict of interests with an ultimate goal of Vanadzor prosperity.