Armenia witnessed a historic day as the country’s legislature
elected Nikol Pashinyan as prime minister barely two weeks after a popular movement
toppled his predecessor Serzh Sarkisian, forcing him to resign a post
to which he was elected mere seven days before.
After failing to elect a prime minister on May 1, the National Assembly elected Pashinyan on May 8 with a vote of 59 to 42. Pashinyan, the people’s
candidate, was nominated by one-third of lawmakers to the
highest office to the country,
The session opened with Parliament Speaker Ara Babloyan recognizing
that it was the 26th anniversary of the liberation of Shushi, to which
the parliament convened with applause from the gathered members.
Pashinyan’s Yelk alliance member Lena Nazaryan presented the
candidate’s biography after pointing out that Armenia
has experienced a new renaissance through a people’s movement that has
forced change in the country through smile, laughter, and dance.
She invited Pashinyan, who outlined that the fact that this session
of parliament was taking place on the anniversary of the liberation of
Shushi was a clear indication that the heroic battles that realized
Artsakh’s liberation will also be applied to free the people of Armenia
from the social injustices they have endured for several decades.
The parliament session took place as thousands gathered at
Republic Square to view the proceedings live on a day which Pashinyan had declared a holiday the previous day.
Also present and observing the session from the parliament gallery
was System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian, who arrived in Armenia on
Monday and joined Pashinyan at a rally, declaring his support for the
popular movement leader.
In his remarks, Pashinyan, among other elements, singled out the role
of the Diaspora in the advancement of the future of Armenia.
He also pledged that any upcoming election will be devoid of fraud
and bribery, which have become commonplace in Armenian elections. He
said that, beginning with the parliament session, the people of Armenia
will take part in free and fair elections.
He pledged to continue the negotiations for a peaceful resolution to
the Karabagh conflict, saying that was imperative for Artsakh to rejoin
the negotiations, based on a decision by the OSCE Minsk Group leaders in 1992. He also pledged that Armenia would remain on the forefront of
advancing international recognition for the Armenian Genocide as an
effort to ensure that such crimes are prevented.
Pashinyan also said that his government would reject the practice of assessing fines on citizens, who are confronted with
receiving punitive fines as a way of life in a cycle that confine
citizens in a society based on fines.
He also pledged that under his leadership would closely monitor
Armenia’s armed forces, whose rights would be a priority and whose
well-being will become a key focal point of his government.
At the same time, Pashinyan recognized the participation of a large
number of students in the popular movement and declared that he would
reform the educational system in Armenia, where a student will be able
to become a part of the advancement of the country’s economy through
their professional contributions.
He was also quick to point out that his government will advance
women’s right and engaging more women in government. He also pledged a
review of the electoral code, and emphasized the importance of critical
reforms of the laws, which would ensure that every citizen’s ballot is
counted.
A celebration rally followed the election.
"Asbarez," May 8, 2018
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