Elections
The first historical elections for the Armenian member of the Greek Communal Chamber took place on 5 August 1960 between Vahram Levonian and Berge Tilbian, who was elected after receiving 60,49% (1364 votes). Between 1965–1970 the term of office for the Armenian, the Maronite and the Latin Representatives was extended by special laws, until Law 58/1970 was enacted, properly including them in the House of Representatives. The second elections were held on 19 July 1970 between Berge Tilbian and Dr. Antranik L. Ashdjian, who was elected after receiving 56,30% (590 votes); Dr. Antranik L. Ashdjian was re-elected on 3 October 1976, with Aram Kalaydjian as his opponent, after receiving 50,96% (612 votes).
The next elections were held on 14 March 1982 between Dr. Antranik L. Ashdjian and Aram Kalaydjian, who secured 58.36% (771 votes); Aram Kalaydjian was re-elected on 13 July 1986, with Anna Ashdjian as his opponent, after securing 65,08% (792 votes), and again on 19 May 1991, again winning over Anna Ashdjian and receiving 67,00% (875 votes). Because of Aram Kalaydjian's death on 10 September 1995, a by-election took place on 22 October 1995, between Kevork Mahdessian and Bedros Kalaydjian, who won with 60,34% (849 votes). Bedros Kalaydjian was re-elected on 26 May 1996, securing 73,91% (997 votes) against Anna Ashdjian and again on 27 May 2001, receiving 57,13% (857 votes) against Dr. Garabed Khatcho-Kazandjian.
Because of Bedros Kalaydjian's death on 1 September 2005, a by-election was held on 9 October 2005, with Dr. Vahakn Atamyan receiving 52,03% (769 votes) against Dr. Antranik Ashdjian (43,91%) and Parsegh Zartarian (4,12%). The next elections took place on 21 May 2006, with Vartkes Mahdessian receiving 52,60% (899 votes) against Dr. Vahakn Atamyan. The most recent elections were held on 22 May 2011, with Vartkes Mahdessian securing 67,67% (1.105 votes) against Dr. Antranik Ashdjian.
Although not elected, the Armenians in Nicosia also have a mukhtar, appointed by the Ministry of Interior. The first mukhtar was Melik Melikian (1927–1949), succeeded by Kasbar Delyfer (1949–1956) and Vahe Kouyoumdjian (1956–2009). As of 1 January 2011, the current Armenian mukhtar is Mgo Kouyoumdjian.
Read more about this topic: Armenians In Cyprus
Famous quotes containing the word elections:
“In my public statements I have earnestly urged that there rested upon government many responsibilities which affect the moral and spiritual welfare of our people. The participation of women in elections has produced a keener realization of the importance of these questions and has contributed to higher national ideals. Moreover, it is through them that our national ideals are ingrained in our children.”
—Herbert Hoover (1874–1964)
“Apparently, a democracy is a place where numerous elections are held at great cost without issues and with interchangeable candidates.”
—Gore Vidal (b. 1925)