Armenia: Opposition leader elected Prime Minister May 8 /update 17

Event

The parliament elected Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan as Prime Minister on Tuesday, May 8, following three weeks of anti-government protests. Political rallies are likely in the coming hours, especially in the capital Yerevan, as thousands of protesters gathered in front of the Parliament ahead of the vote. A heightened security presence and associated traffic disruptions are expected.

Context

Pashinyan was the only candidate, but had previously failed to win his bid to become the country's next prime minister on May 1, with parliament voting against him 55 to 45.

Anti-government demonstrations have been taking place daily in Yerevan since April 13, eventually leading to the April 23 resignation of former Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan. Hundreds of protesters have been detained by the police. Political tensions have been high in the country since December 2015, when a controversial constitutional amendment changed Armenia's government from a semi-presidential system to a parliamentary republic. Under the new government, the president has a largely ceremonial role while the prime minister has become more powerful. Opponents claimed that the new system was designed to allow then-President Sargsyan to maintain control of the government following the end of his term in April. Opposition leaders have called for a "Velvet Revolution" in a bid to "preserve" democracy in the country.

Advice

Individuals present in Armenia, particularly in Yerevan, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, confirm transportation reservations, allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.