Raffi Hovannisian has personal and national reasons
"Raffi Hovannisian's resignation from Parliament is determined by his individual approaches over important national issues," Armen Martirosyan, Chairman of the opposition Heritage Faction, said to A1+.
The step wasn't agreed upon as "it was Mr. Hovannisian's personal decision" but the Party was not taken unawares.
"I learnt about the resignation a bit later but the administration was aware of it," adedd Mr. Martirosyan.
Asked whether the Party might follow Raffi Hovannisian's step and resign from mandates, the Heritage Chairman said: "We haven't discussed the issue yet but one should never exclude anything."
As Raffi Hovannisian was elected to Parliament on the proportional ticket, by law he must be replaced by the next candidate on the Heritage electoral list - Movses Aristakesyan.
"I haven't met Party Leader Raffi Hovannisian yet. I shall make a decision after I consult with him," economist Movses Aristakesyan informed A1+.
"I have worked in Armenian Parliament and drafted laws. I also took the post of deputy minister and have extensive expertise as an expert in the Economic Commission and European Union. I only need to consult with our leader and make a political decision," said Mr. Aristakesyan.
Under NA regulations, a parliamentarian must personally present his resignation to the NA Chairperson who will publicize it at the upcoming NA sitting. If the deputy doesn't take back the resignation within 15 days after the publication, the NA Chairperson is to inform the parliament of the resignation within 15 days. A protocol is drawn up then and submitted to the Central Election Commission within 5 days.
Remind that on September 7 opposition parliamentarian Khachatur Sukiasian resigned from his mandate as well. As the latter was elected on the majoritarian system, a new election will be held in Yerevan's Kentron District to fill the vacancy.
