Prime Minister's Resignation for Early Elections Could Be Between April 20 and May 5

Following the announcement of early parliamentary elections in Armenia on June 20, unofficial analysis of the relevant provisions of the Constitution indicates that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation could occur between April 20 and May 5.

According to Article 104 of the Electoral Code of the Republic of Armenia, early parliamentary elections are held not earlier than 30 days and not later than 45 days after the National Assembly is dissolved. This period is augmented by 14 days for the resignation process of the Prime Minister. As per Article 149, Part 2 of the Constitution, in cases of resignation, parliamentary factions have the right to nominate candidates for Prime Minister within seven days after the government’s resignation is accepted.

Moreover, according to Part 3 of the same article, if a Prime Minister is not elected, a new election for Prime Minister is held seven days after voting, and if a Prime Minister is not elected by the majority of the total number of votes, the National Assembly is dissolved by law.

Additionally, the state of martial law must be lifted for the organization of elections.

On March 18, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the early parliamentary elections scheduled for June 20 after discussions with Gagik Tsarukyan, the leader of the Prosperous Armenia faction, and earlier discussions with the President of Armenia and leaders of the My Step and Bright Armenia factions.