Political Structure

During the years 1990 to 1995 it was necessary to dissolve the political, legal, social, and economic relationships of the previous political system while simultaneously creating those internal and external attributes denoting an independent state. The political life of the country changed on July 5, 1995, when the citizens voted to adopt the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia. This provided legal guarantees of civil rights, the development of democratic institutions, and the creation of a market economy to secure the future stability of the Armenian state.

President

Armenia is a republic with a presidential governing system. On the basis of the Constitution, the President is to provide for the normal activity of the executive, legislative, and judicial authorities. The same person cannot hold the office of president for more than two consecutive terms. The President is directly elected by the people for a five year period. Mr. Robert Kocharian was sworn in as new Armenian President on April 9, 1998, following his victory in March 30, 1998 presidential election run-off round.

Government

The President appoints the Prime Minister (who is subject to a no-confidence vote by the National Assembly) to the executive branch duties and appoints the members of the Government (ministers) at the proposal of the Prime Minister.

The number of the ministries was reduced from 31 to 21. Significant changes in structure include: the Taxation Inspectorate and Customs Administration went under the Ministry of Finance; the Patent Office and the National Copyright Administration under the Ministry of Justice; and the Armenian State Standard and State Privatization Committee under the Ministry of Economy.

National Assembly

The Legislative powers are exercised by the National Assembly (Parliament); its chairman, is elected by its members. Parliamentary elections were held on July 5, 1995, filling the 190 seats for a five year period. With the next elections the size of Parliament will be reduced to 131 members. The current Parliament formed six permanent committees. The National Assembly is a single-chamber representative body, with members (deputies) elected by a combination of single member district and proportional representation.

The National Assembly is convened twice a year: spring session (early February-late June) and fall session (late September-late December). Extraordinary sessions may be convened at the discretion of the Presidium of the National Assembly, a third of the deputies, the President of the National Assembly, the President of the Republic.

Constitutional Court

On December 6, 1995, a Constitutional Court consisting of nine members (five appointed by Parliament and four by the President) was created. The responsibility of this court is to judge the constitutionality of the laws, the Presidential decrees, and the Governmental resolutions. The Court also judges the constitutionality of international agreements and resolves disputes concerning the results of elections and referenda.