Armenian president to be replaced by Alen Simonyan until new election

Armenian President Armen Sarkisyan, who announced his resignation on January 23, will be replaced temporarily by Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan until a new president is elected by the parliament. 

Pursuant to Article 144 of the Constitution of Armenia, in the event of the President's dismissal, impossibility to exercise his powers, resignation or death, the President of the National Assembly shall exercise the powers of the President until the newly elected President takes office.

This means that until the special election of the new President of Armenia, speaker Alen Simonyan will temporarily carry out the duties of the president.

Article 126 of the Constitution stipulates the special election of the President. Accordingly, in the event of the dismissal of the President, impossibility to perform his duties, resignation or death, a special election of the President shall be held not earlier than twenty-five days and not later than thirty-five days after the vacancy of the presidency․