Armenian presidential candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan was shot late Thursday by an unknown gunman and immediately taken to hospital, local media reported.

The 63-year-old leader of the National Selfdetermination Union was seriously wounded but his life was not in danger, said the reports.

Hayrikyan is one of eight candidates in the Feb. 18 presidential vote but not regarded as a close rival for incumbent Serzh Sarksyan, who is expected to be re-elected for a second five-year term.

While visiting Hayrikyan at the hospital, Armenian parliament speaker Ovik Abramian said the attack on the candidate could be aimed at destabilizing the situation in the country.

But whether the vote is to be postponed depends on Hayrikyan's condition, Abramian said.

The shooter has yet to be identified as the search for him is still underway. Endi

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