Vladimir Vardanyan, a former member of the ruling Civil Contract party, has been elected as a judge of Armenia’s Constitutional Court. This appointment has triggered concerns, considering his prior affiliation with the party. The selection occurred through a secret parliamentary vote on Tuesday, with 67 out of 107 MPs, reportedly all Civil Contract members, supporting his candidacy.
Vardanyan is scheduled to be inaugurated during a parliamentary session on Thursday. He previously held various roles at the Constitutional Court since 2003, most recently as Head of Staff from 2018. From 2019, he chaired the parliamentary Committee on State and Legal Affairs, and subsequently served in parliament representing both the My Step alliance and later the Civil Contract party starting in 2021.
Prior to his election, Vardanyan dissolved his membership in the ruling party on March 13th, coinciding with President Vahagn Khachaturyan’s nomination. He also resigned from parliament on March 19th. Critics argue this resembles a previous government action, mirroring the 2018 appointment of Hrayr Tovmasyan, a former Republican Party member, to the Constitutional Court.
Tovmasyan, who also headed the Committee on State and Legal Affairs, resigned upon his nomination. The National Security Service questioned Tovmasyan’s family, including his daughters, following an investigation into accusations of abuse of power. Vardanyan pledged impartiality and constitutional adherence during his election, referencing his oath and potential legal consequences.
Fourteen civil society organizations urged parliament to avoid electing him, citing legal prohibitions against judges affiliated with political parties. Despite terminating party membership, critics deemed the action insufficient, citing his extensive political involvement. This situation echoes concerns raised by former opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan regarding Tovmasyan’s nomination in 2018.
Authorities were also considering Vardanyan for the presidency of the Constitutional Court, with the current president, Arman Dilanyan, having a term expiring this October. All current judges were appointed during Pashinyan’s tenure. The Constitutional Court dismissed a case against Robert Kocharyan, Armenia’s second president, deeming the charges unconstitutional.
Topics: #ruling #party #constitutional
