YEREVAN — Ruben Rubinyan of the Civil Contract Party has been elected speaker of Armenia’s ninth National Assembly by a vote of 63 in favor and 28 against.
Rubinyan said he was fully aware of the responsibility entrusted to him.
“This is the greatest honor for me, and I will do everything possible not to disappoint you. Dear opposition colleagues, the fact that you did not vote for me does not change anything. I intend to serve as the speaker of the entire National Assembly,” he said.
Rubinyan was the only candidate nominated for the position. He previously served as deputy speaker of the National Assembly.
Anna Grigoryan, leader of the opposition Hayastan faction, announced that the faction would not participate in the secret ballot to elect the speaker. Narek Karapetyan of the Strong Armenia faction said its members would vote against Rubinyan’s candidacy.
The Civil Contract faction unanimously voted in favor of Rubinyan.
