Major entrepreneurs run for Armenian Parliament

In Armenia, a few major businessmen, including incumbent MPs, have announced their decision to participate in the elections to the National Assembly, scheduled for May 6, 2012.

Khachatur Sukiasyan, the founder of "SIL Concern", has informed about his intention to run for the post of MP in the Yerevan constituency No. 10, which covers the city downtown. He has already submitted handed all the necessary documents for registration as a candidate over to the Central Election Commission (CEC).

Samvel Alexanyan, an incumbent MP and the owner of the supermarket chain "Yerevan City", has also announced his decision to take part in the elections.

The decision to run for at the majority constituency No. 33, which covers the Ashotsk and Amasia Districts of the Shirak Region, was made by Ashot Agababyan, the owner of the Yerevan Fair "Razdan" and the incumbent MP from the ruling Republican Party.

Gagik Tsarukyan, one of the largest entrepreneurs and the owner of the Association "Multi Group" and Chairman of the "Prosperous Armenia" Party (PAP) will run for under the proportional list of this party.

Another major entrepreneur – Ruben Airapetyan, Chairman of the Football Federation of Armenia, an incumbent MP from the PAP, also intends to run for the Parliament.

According to Article 65 of the Constitution of Armenia, "an MP may not be engaged in entrepreneurial activities, hold office in state bodies, bodies of local self-government or commercial organizations, same as any other paid work, except for scientific, educational and creative work."