Armenian PM resigns for snap parliamentary elections

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addresses his supporters gathered on Republic Square in downtown Yerevan on Feb 25, 2021. (PHOTO / AFP)

YEREVAN – Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced his resignation Sunday to pave the way for the scheduled snap parliamentary elections in June.

"In order to implement the decision on holding snap parliamentary elections on June 20, today I resign from the position of the Prime Minister of Armenia," Pashinyan said in a televised address to the nation.

According to the Constitution of Armenia, snap parliamentary elections are possible only when the prime minister resigns and no new prime minister is nominated

"I am resigning on Citizens' Day, and this is a symbol of the fact that we are returning to the people the power that we received from the people," he said.

Pashinyan said the party he leads will participate in the elections and that he would be the party's candidate for prime minister.

ALSO READ: Armenian PM to quit before poll

Meanwhile, he stressed that he will continue to perform the duties of caretaker prime minister before the elections.

Following the statement, the presidential administration of Armenia announced that the country's president has approved Pashinyan's resignation.

According to the Constitution of Armenia, snap parliamentary elections are possible only when the prime minister resigns and no new prime minister is nominated.

Earlier in March, Pashinyan said Armenia would hold early parliamentary elections on June 20 and that he would resign in April.  

READ MORE: Armenia govt says decree sacking top general comes into force