Vardan Ghukasyan sworn in as Mayor of Gyumri

Vardan Ghukasyan was sworn into office as Mayor of Gyumri on Saturday morning. 

Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, the Prelate of the Diocese of Shirak of the Armenian Apostolic Church, participated in the inauguration ceremony. 

Ghukasyan took the oath of office, vowing to “adhere to the Armenian Constitution, laws, the city council decisions, to execute the powers of mayor honestly and duly, serve for the prosperity of the city and work for the benefit of its residents.” “I assume the obligation to defend the rights of the city, its lawful interests and property, to uphold the people’s faith and contribute to their material and spiritual progress with selfless devotion,” he added.

Vardan Ghukasyan ran for office on the ticket of the Communist Party of Armenia. He was elected Mayor of Gyumri during the inaugural city council session on April 16. He was mayor of Gyumri from 2000 until 2012.

Ghukasyan, unopposed, was elected with 18 votes in favor during the city council session. 

The Civil Contract faction boycotted the first session and called for a new snap election.

Ghukasyan was expected to secure a coalition vote in the mayoral race as three political forces earlier endorsed him.