Armenia to Present New Draft Constitution in November

The Armenian government will present a new draft constitution in mid-November to replace existing foundational texts that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan described as anti-statehood. Pashinyan asserted that an independent state cannot exist under the current terms of the Declaration of Independence and stated that the ruling Civil Contract party intends to adopt a new constitution to fulfill its election program.

Justice Minister Srbuhi Galyan clarified that the upcoming document is a draft intended to open a platform for extensive discussions with all segments of Armenian society rather than a final result. Galyan denied that these reforms are being conducted at the demand of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, despite previous demands from Azerbaijan that Armenia amend its constitution regarding territorial claims over Nagorno-Karabakh as a condition for a peace agreement.

While Galyan noted that snap parliamentary elections remain a viable option, she stated a decision cannot be made until the public evaluates the text. The government is facing resistance from two parliamentary forces, though Galyan noted that the opposition faction Strong Armenia has nominated a candidate for the Constitutional Reform Council for the first time. Pashinyan suggested he may offer the opposition a proposal to prevent them from obstructing a future referendum on the new constitution.