Former Yerevan Mayor, a member of Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition bloc links recent resignations in presidential staff to Serzh Sargsyan’s intention to render the state machinery more controllable in case of snap elections.

“Considering current political and economic situation in Armenia, pre-term elections can be initiated any moment,” Vahagn Khachatryan told a news conference in Yerevan.

As he noted in this context, “ANC continues preparation for snap elections through work with supporters and selection of observers and those responsible for the election process.”

On November 3, by the decree of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, the first deputy chief of presidential staff Mikael Minasyan was dismissed to take a post at RPA election headquarters.

On November 1, Armenian parliament speaker Hovik Abrahamyan announced his resignation to head RPA electoral headquarters and more effectively conduct the campaign.

Also on November 1, President Sargsyan signed a decree to relieve Armenian police chief, lieutenant general Alik Sargsyan of his duties and to appoint him as a presidential advisor. By another decree, lieutenant general Vladimir Gasparyan was dismissed as the Deputy Defense Minister and appointed to the post of Armenian police chief at the government of Armenia.

Former Mayor Karen Karapetyan left his post on October 28 to be replaced by acting Mayor Taron Margaryan.