Pashinyan says early elections may be needed to pass new constitution

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said for the first time that early parliamentary elections could be held to adopt a new constitution. Authorities say the current parliament does not give his Civil Contract party a mandate for a constitutional referendum, which requires at least six more seats.

The government plans to publish a draft constitution that removes provisions obstructing peace with Azerbaijan. Without opposition votes, it cannot go to a referendum. Pashinyan says he will first try to persuade the opposition and, if that fails, new elections could be held next year.

Narek Karapetyan, head of the Strong Armenia faction, responded: “We are ready. Just name the day.” Faction secretary Tigran Abramyan said Armenia should not change its constitution at the request of a foreign power. Baku says the changes are an internal matter, but says the peace deal cannot be ratified unless the provision is removed.