Wounded Armenian Presidential Candidate Withdraws Election Delay Demand

Paruyr Hairikian

The Armenian presidential candidate who was wounded in an apparent assassination attempt has withdrawn his request to postpone the February 18 presidential vote.

Paruyr Hairikian, 63, was shot in the shoulder by an unidentified gunman in Yerevan on January 31.

Last week, police arrested two Armenian suspects, but it is still not clear how they were involved.

On February 10, Hairikian asked Armenia's Constitutional Court to postpone the vote for two weeks because of his health.

The constitution allows for such delays.

However, Hairikian confirmed to RFE/RL that he withdrew his request on February 11, adding that he would not be eligible to refile another delay request.

Hairikian heads the Union of National Self-Determination Party and is not considered a strong challenger to incumbent President Serzh Sarkisian. There are eight candidates competing in the election.