Pashinyan speaks on Samvel Karapetyan’s participation in 2026 elections
In a briefing with journalists, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the “Strong Armenia” party, cannot be nominated as a candidate for either Member of Parliament or Prime Minister.
Journalists inquired how Pashinyan would comment on the claim presented by the party, according to which Karapetyan could become Prime Minister after the elections if the relevant article of the Constitution is amended.
According to Pashinyan, while citizens can establish parties, the Constitution and the law provide for restrictions regarding the nomination of a candidate for Prime Minister.
“A person holding second or third country citizenship cannot be a candidate for either Member of Parliament or Prime Minister. This does not exist either de jure or de facto, and its interpretation is not necessary,” he said.
During the official presentation of the “Strong Armenia” party on February 12, it was announced that Samvel Karapetyan is the party’s candidate for Prime Minister. The party noted that after the elections, if they form a majority, it will be possible to implement a corresponding constitutional amendment.
It should be noted that Samvel Karapetyan has not resided permanently in the RA for the last 4 years and also holds citizenship of other countries. According to Article 148 of the Constitution, anyone who has reached the age of twenty-five, has been a citizen of only the Republic of Armenia for the preceding four years, has permanently resided in the Republic of Armenia for the preceding four years, possesses the right to vote, and has command of the Armenian language may be elected as a Member of the National Assembly.
At the same time, constitutional experts note that Article 148 of the RA Constitution is amended by a vote in the National Assembly, not by a referendum.
