While discussions over the globe economic crisis rage, Armenian political forces are preparing for a crucial election scheduled for May 31 to elect the Mayor of Yerevan.

This will mark the first time a mayor has been elected, rather than appointed by the President of Armenia. Based on a new Law on Local Administration of Yerevan City, the mayor will be determined according to City Council elections. If one party participating in the elections gets more than 50 percent of the Council member seats, than the first person mentioned in the list of that party’s candidates is considered to be an elected mayor.