In the run-up to the September 9 race for mayor in the village of Janfida, in Armavir Marz, the proverbial “new tractors” have arrived to entice prospective voters.

It’s a hotly contested race pitting independent Gourgen Sargsyan, backed by the Prosperous Armenia Party, against Republican Party candidate Rafik Yeghiazaryan.

Current mayor Edik Manoukyan was also in the running before dropping out. He offered no explanation to Hetq other than “it was his own business”.

A visitor to the village will spot the shining mini-tractors lined up for all to see. Residents say the tractors were provided by the Prosperous Armenia Party and have been on display for the past month.

Nobody can say for sure where and for whom the tractors will be used. But it’s an election enticement that has become a tradition.

In the meantime, Mayor Manoukyan is busy installing street lights along the village roads and completing the installation of gas pipes.

It seems that residents don’t care who is doing what work. Their main concern is for peace and calm, something that not always results when Prosperous Armenia and the Republican Party go head to head.