Armenians will go to the polls to elect a new parliament on December 9. The election comes after a formal dissolution of the parliament, triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, following which parliament failed to elect a new prime minister twice. This is an outcome Pashinyan himself hoped for and it was one of the demands of the Velvet Revolution.
What to expect in the coming weeks?
NOVEMBER 14
Deadline for parties to submit their pre-electoral lists.
Eleven parties and alliances will participate in the parliamentary election.
– The Republican Party of Armenia
– The Armenian Revolutionary Federation
– My Step Coalition
– Prosperous Armenia Party
– Bright Armenia Party
– “Us” Coalition
– National Progress Party
– Christian-Democrat Rebirth Party
– Sasna Tsrer Party
– Orinats Yerkir Party
– Citizen’s Decision Social Democratic Party
The Armenian National Congress party and the People’s Party of Armenia will not to participate.
NOVEMBER 26 – DECEMBER 7
Parties will campaign in the capital of Yerevan, the major cities of Gyumri and Vanadzor, as well as in smaller towns and villages.
DECEMBER 9
Election Day.
Central Electoral Commission is in charge of counting the votes. International and local observers and journalists will work to ensure the transparency of the elections.
DECEMBER 10
Preliminary results will be announced.
To be admitted to parliament, parties need at least 5% of the vote, while alliances need at least 7%. The National Assembly is a unicameral body and consists of at least 101 seats.
DECEMBER 22
Deadline to for elected parties to form coalitions inside the parliament.
DATES TO BE DETERMINED
Parliament will convene its first session if the election results are not disputed. The parliamentary majority will then nominate a candidate for the post of the prime minister.
Ani Paitjan
