Armenian’s Opposition Leader Enters New PM Vote With Better Odds

Nikola Pashinyan was renominated as the opposition’s PM candidate in the upcoming elections for Prime Minister in the Armenian Parliament on May 8. Pashinyan stepped into the spotlight as long-term President Serzh Sarkisian stepped down from his post as Prime Minister. His election last month was considered a hidden move to stay in power, as constitutional changes transferred his presidential powers to the Prime Minister’s office.

A member of the Pashinyan-led Yelk faction announced to the press today that 41 Members of Parliament have supported their leader’s bid for the post of Prime Minister. The Armenian Parliament holds 105 members. The members of the ruling Republican Party also stated their support for Pashiniyan. A speaker of the Republican Party reiterated his party's support for any candidate who secured the backing of one-third of lawmakers.

Pashinyan is the leader of the three-week long protests in Armenia’s capital Yerevan. However, due to the recent changes and the support he received, he called for a stop to the protests and asked his supporters to stay in touch with him over Facebook. He announced a new gathering on May 8 at 11 AM on the main square of Yerevan, when the Armenian Parliament holds the PM election.

So far, all parties in parliament have expressed their support for Pashinyan, paving his way to the prime ministership.

By Benjamin Music