The National Assembly, with 67 votes in favor, elected Civil Contract party MP Vladimir Vardanyan as a judge of the Constitutional Court. Several civil society organizations had called for refraining from appointing this candidate, but the parliament ignored those concerns.
Zhanna Aleksanyan, head of the NGO “Journalists for Human Rights,” notes that Vladimir Vardanyan has been actively engaged in political activity over the past seven years and has party affiliation. According to her, this raises legitimate concerns about his ability to serve impartially as a judge of the Constitutional Court.
A Constitutional Court aligned with Civil Contract
According to the NGO head, the Constitutional Court has effectively already become aligned with the Civil Contract party. She points out that individuals loyal to the ruling force are already present within the court. In particular, she mentions Artak Zeynalyan, a member of the Republic Party known for his loyalty to Nikol Pashinyan, as well as the sister of Stepa Safaryan, who also works within the system and demonstrates similar loyalty.
“With the election of Vladimir Vardanyan, this pattern is further reinforced. When Vardanyan speaks, he uses purely formulaic rhetoric and demonstrates absolute loyalty to Nikol Pashinyan,” Aleksanyan emphasized.
According to her, the Constitutional Court, which should function as a high and independent institution, is effectively turning into Nikol Pashinyan’s personal court.
Aleksanyan считает, что такие шаги свидетельствуют о тенденции усиления контроля власти над институтами. По её мнению, Конституционный суд, который должен служить гарантом конституционного порядка и защиты прав человека, превращается в инструмент одного лица и одной политической силы.
The “I do what I want” approach
Aleksanyan expresses concern that the authorities are seeking to establish full control not only over the judiciary but also over the electoral system. She refers to the example of the chairman of the Central Electoral Commission, who, being a former Civil Contract MP, continues to demonstrate unconditional loyalty to the ruling team even after assuming his position.
Aleksanyan states: “Pashinyan has a very clear understanding of what it means to be prime minister — he does what he wants. When he violates laws or uses offensive language, he does not remember that he is the head of government bound by law. But when it comes to his own interests, he immediately recalls his position.”