Co-author of the recent constitutional amendments, MP Hrayr Tovmasyan said, that the new Constitution does not define any obstacle that would impede Serzh Sargsyan to become president in 2018. “Of course, he can become president, there is no constitutional barrier”, he said and added that the new constitution does not impose any ban on incumbent president also for becoming prime minister.
Let us note that according to the revised constitution, the president is head of the state, who is elected not by the national elections, but by the National Assembly. The next presidential election of the Republic of Armenia is held not earlier than 40 and not later than 30 days before the termination of the president’s office. At least a quarter of the total number of MPs has the right to nominate a candidate for the President of the Republic of Armenia. The candidate who has received at least three-quarters of the total number of votes can be elected the President of the Republic of Armenia. Anyone who is over 40, who has been only Armenian citizen for 6 years, who has officially lived in Armenia for the last 6 years, who has the right to vote, and has a good command of the Armenian language, may be elected President of the Republic of Armenia. The same person may be elected president only once. The RA President may not occupy any other position, engage in entrepreneurial activity, carry out another paid job. The RA President may not be a member of any political party during his office. The president is elected for 7 years.
In other words, Serzh Sargsyan may once again become president, hold the office for 7 years, and to retire.
Heghine MANUKYAN