Former ruling party MP becomes Constitutional Court judge in Armenia, NGOs warn of risks

Armenia’s parliament recently approved the appointment of Vladimir Vardanyan as a judge of the constitutional court, sparking concern from numerous NGOs. The former ruling party member, who previously chaired the parliamentary committee on state and legal affairs, resigned his parliamentary mandate a week prior to the vote. He also departed from the Civil Contract party, despite his active role in parliament until recently.

The vote saw 67 out of 107 MPs supporting Vardanyan’s nomination. However, civil society representatives voiced apprehension that his appointment could jeopardize the court’s independence and impartiality. They highlight that the law governing the constitutional court mandates judges abstain from political party membership, positions, or activities.

Any breach of this rule could lead to mandate termination. Despite resigning his parliamentary mandate and leaving the majority party, concerns persist regarding Vardanyan’s extensive political background. Representatives from over a dozen NGOs urged lawmakers to reconsider their vote, emphasizing the potential for political interconnectedness to undermine the court’s impartiality.

They argue that such connections preclude the management of risks effectively. The situation is further complicated by statements from Armenia’s parliament speaker, Alen Simonyan, who asserted that voters must choose between peace and potential war. A week before the vote, Vardanyan expressed regret to the committee members he previously led, a gesture that opposition figures interpreted as a formality, anticipating a predetermined outcome.

Kristine Vardanyan, an opposition MP, questioned the ruling party’s efforts to maintain a semblance of procedure, believing the appointment was already assured. The former constitutional court judge’s appointment remains a point of contention, raising questions about the future of the court’s integrity.

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