Deadline for the nomination of candidates for the forthcoming presidential election in the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) is this Wednesday.
Two candidates have been nominated thus far. They are incumbent President Bako Sahakyan, and NKR National Assembly (NA) “Movement 88” Faction MP Eduard Aghabekyan.
Three of the NA factions support Sahakyan’s candidacy. A total of 28 from the 33 MPs are ready to vote for his candidacy.
A total of 21 votes in parliament are enough to be elected transitional President of Artsakh.
On February 20, the NKR held a constitutional referendum, and 87 percent of the electorate voted for the proposed constitutional amendments.
Pursuant to these amendments, a transition will be made from a semi-presidential to a presidential system of government in Artsakh.
And, accordingly, the National Assembly will elect the President until 2020—for the transitional period.