Armenia’s Central Election Commission Completes Vote Count

Driving the news:

The Central Election Commission of Armenia has completed the counting of votes from the country’s parliamentary election.

A total of 2,503,976 citizens were eligible to vote. According to the commission, 1.458.677 voters participated, resulting in a turnout of 58.97%.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s ruling Civil Contract party received 727.160 votes, or 49,85%% of the total vote, securing 61 seats in the 105-member National Assembly.

The Strong Armenia Alliance, led by Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, who is currently under house arrest, received 340,062 votes, or 23.31%, winning 28 seats.

The Armenia Alliance, led by former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, received 145,097 votes, or 9.95%, securing 11 seats.

The Prosperous Armenia Party received 58,368 votes, or 4%, securing 5 seats.

Why it matters:

A parliamentary majority requires 53 seats. With 61 seats, Civil Contract holds a governing majority and does not need to form a coalition government.

The big picture:

Although Civil Contract secured a majority, its 61 seats fall short of the 70-seat threshold required for a constitutional majority.

As a result, the ruling party would be unable to pass constitutional amendments on its own. Constitutional changes required by Azerbaijan would require support from opposition lawmakers, as the government lacks the votes necessary to amend the constitution without cross-party backing.

@REPUBLICPRESS