Armenian parliament rejects Pashinyan’s candidacy for prime minister – for early elections

The National Assembly did not elect Nikol Pashinyan as Prime Minister. During the voting, one deputy voted for him, 3 deputies voted against, 75 abstained.

This was done to ensure the holding of early parliamentary elections in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of Armenia, Radio Azatutyun writes.

Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was nominated by the ruling My Step faction. The head of the faction, Lilit Makunts, said before the vote that they would "abstain" during the vote.

On April 25, Nikol Pashinyan resigned as prime minister for early elections on June 20.

According to the requirement of the Constitution, the dissolution of the National Assembly is necessary for the holding of early elections. And parliament dissolves unless the prime minister is elected twice in a row within two weeks of the prime minister's resignation.

Earlier, Nikol Pashinyan announced that he would run twice for prime minister to comply with the procedures.

Two parliamentary opposition factions have assured that they will not nominate a candidate for the post of prime minister.