Armenia: Opposition leader fails bid to become next prime minister May 1 /update 12

Event

Protests will likely continue in Yerevan, and other parts of Armenia, in the coming days after opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan failed to win his bid to become the next prime minister on Tuesday, May 1. Parliament voted against Pashinyan 55 to 45 during Tuesday’s session. Following the announcement, Pashinyan accused the ruling Republican Party of declaring “war against its own people” by refusing to elect him. Prior to the vote, thousands of people gathered in the capital in support of Pashinyan. Demonstrations against the result of the election are likely in the coming hours, particularly in Republic Square. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected around demonstration sites.

Context

Anti-government demonstrations have been taking place daily in Yerevan since April 13, eventually leading to the April 23 resignation of former Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan. Hundreds of protesters have been detained by police.

Sociopolitical tensions have been high in the country since December 2015, when a controversial constitutional amendment changed Armenia's government from a semi-presidential system to a parliamentary republic. Under the new government, the president has a largely ceremonial role while the prime minister has become more powerful. Opponents claimed that the new system was designed to allow then-President Sargsyan to maintain control of the government following the end of his term in April. Opposition leaders have called for a "Velvet Revolution" in a bid to "preserve" democracy in the country.

Advice

Individuals present in Armenia, particularly in Yerevan, are advised to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate and avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.