Nikol Pashinyan appointed Armenia's prime minister

YEREVAN, Armenia

Armenia’s President Armen Sarkissian on Monday appointed Nikol Pashinyan as prime minister following his party’s win in June elections.

Pashinyan, leader of the Civil Contract Party, was nominated for the post thanks to the parliamentary majority he gained in the June 20 snap elections.

Sarkissian signed a decree shortly after for it to take effect, said a statement by the presidency.

According to Armenian Constitution, a new government must be formed within 15 days after the prime minister is appointed.

Pashinyan won the early parliamentary polls with 53.91% of the votes, while former president and Armenian Alliance party head Robert Kocharyan came second with 21.09% of the votes. I Have Honor Alliance received 5.22% of votes.

Pashinyan secured 71 seats, while Kocharyan gained 29 seats in parliament.