Debate is growing in Armenia over a potential change in the country’s presidency, with several figures from the ruling Civil Contract party reportedly being considered as possible successors.

Reports suggest that discussions have intensified in political circles regarding the health of incumbent President Vahagn Khachaturyan. Some sources do not rule out the possibility that he could leave office before completing his term in 2029, The Caspian Post reports via Sputnik Armenia.

Khachaturyan was elected president in 2022 for a seven-year mandate, but speculation about a possible early transition has already triggered internal political calculations within the ruling party.

Several high-profile officials are being mentioned as potential candidates for the presidency. These include Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Arayik Harutyunyan, Speaker of National Assembly Alen Simonyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

Arayik Harutyunyan’s candidacy was also reportedly considered during the previous presidential selection process, but at the time he did not receive sufficient backing within the ruling political team.