YEREVAN. – The first ever snap parliamentary elections have kicked off in Armenia. Overall, 2,010 precincts will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout Armenia.

Armenia has finally become a parliamentary republic, and the winner of today’s election will receive full power in the country. If one of the political forces wins the absolute majority of seats in the National Assembly of the 7th convocation, the person who heads its proportional list of candidates for deputies will be automatically appointed by the president as the head of the cabinet, the de facto leader of the country.

Two blocs and nine parties are running in the elections. Among them are “My Step” bloc, “We” bloc, the Republican Party of Armenia, Prosperous Armenia party, ARF Dashnaktsutyun, Orinats Yerkir, Bright Armenia,  Sasna Tsrer party, Christian-Democratic Party, Citizens’ Decision party and National Progress party.

The parliament is elected for the term of five years. At least 101 deputies will be elected, another four seats are distributed among representatives of the largest ethnic minority groups: Yezidis, Russians, Assyrians and Kurds.

Election is held based on the previous Electoral Code: according to national and territorial lists of candidates. Voters can vote either only for a party or a bloc, or for one of its candidates nominated in their electoral district.

The first data on voter turnout will be publicized at 12:00.