Armenia: PM resigns Oct. 16 to trigger early elections /update 1

Event

Late on Tuesday, October 16 (local time), Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigned on live television, explaining that he was doing so to force the dissolution of parliament and consequently to hold early elections before the end of the year. According to the Armenian Constitution, snap elections are triggered if the prime minister resigns and parliament is unable to decide on a replacement within 14 days. After that, elections must be organized no later than 45 days later. Pashinyan will stay on as acting prime minister and current cabinet members will continue to fulfill their duties until the vote takes place. Related rallies are to be expected in the coming weeks, particularly in the capital Yerevan.

Context

Supporters of Pashinyan rallied in front of the National Assembly building in Yerevan on October 2 and 3 amid an effort by parliament to effectively prevent the dissolution of parliament and consequent early elections. Related demonstrations were also reported in other urban centers.

Pashinyan was elected prime minister by parliament on May 8 after leading three weeks of anti-government protests that saw the ouster of Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan.

Advice

Individuals in Armenia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid protests and demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.