Armenia: Parliamentary elections set for December 10 /update 2

Event

The Armenian Central Elections Committee (CEC) announced on Friday, November 2, that snap elections will be held on December 9. Parliament dissolved on Thursday, November 1, after failing to elect a new prime minister. According to the CEC, electoral campaigning will be allowed from November 26 through December 7. Related political demonstrations and rallies are possible in the coming weeks, particularly in the capital Yerevan. Typical gathering places include Republic Square, the National Assembly, and Yerevan City Council buildings. Heightened security measures and traffic disruptions should be anticipated around all political events.

Context

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigned on live television on October 16 in order 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. Pashinyan was elected prime minister by parliament on May 8 after leading three weeks of anti-government protests that resulted 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.