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2023 Artsakhian presidential election

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2023 Artsakhian presidential election
← 2020 9 September 2023 (2023-09-09)
Two-thirds of votes from the 33 National Assembly members required
 
Nominee Samvel Shahramanyan
Party Independent
Electoral vote 22
Percentage 95.65%
President before election

Davit Ishkhanyan (acting)
ARF

Elected President

Samvel Shahramanyan
Independent

Snap indirect presidential elections were held on 9 September 2023, in the unrecognized Republic of Artsakh.[1] The President of the National Assembly of Artsakh acted as president until the election.[2][3] The sole candidate, Samvel Shahramanyan, was elected in a 22–1 vote out of 23 deputies present.[4][5] Several countries and supranational organizations, including the Council of Europe and the European Union, declared the elections as unlawful.[6][7]

Background

[edit]

Facing protests, President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan stated on 29 August 2023 that he was considering resigning and going to serve in Artsakh's militia.[8] On 31 August, Harutyunyan announced his resignation as president of the Republic of Artsakh along with State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan.[9] Before his resignation, Arayik Harutyunyan, by his last decree, appointed the Secretary of the Security Council Samvel Shahramanyan as a State Minister, giving him broad powers.[10] He formally submitted his resignation to Artsakh's parliament on 1 September.[11]

Candidates

[edit]

The deadline for nominating a candidate for the post of President of the Republic of Artsakh is 7 September 2023.[10]

On 6 September 2023, it became known that three opposition parliamentary factions (Justice, Armenian Revolutionary Federation and Democratic Party of Artsakh) nominated State Minister Samvel Shahramanyan as a presidential candidate.[3] Later Shahramanyan's candidacy was supported by the largest faction of the Parliament, Free Motherland-UCA.[12]

The United Motherland leader Samvel Babayan said that he would take part in the meeting of the National Assembly on the agenda of the presidential elections, but would not vote for the candidate.[3] They plan to hold a demonstration in the capital Stepanakert on the day of the presidential elections.[12] Later, the United Motherland faction nominated its leader Samvel Babayan, but his candidacy was rejected due to the fact that he did not present a certificate of Artsakh citizenship and that he had been permanently residing in the country for the past ten years.[13]

Samvel Shahramanyan

[edit]

Samvel Shahramanyan, according to various sources, is a close associate of former Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan. When the latter was president, Shahramanyan was the director of the Artsakh National Security Service.[12]

Results

[edit]
CandidatePartyVotes%
Samvel ShahramanyanIndependent[a]2295.65
Against14.35
Total23100.00
Valid votes23100.00
Invalid/blank votes00.00
Total votes23100.00
Registered voters/turnout3369.70
Source: National Assembly

International reactions

[edit]

Supranational organizations

[edit]
  •  Council of Europe: The Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić made a post on Twitter referred to the "so-called 'presidential elections' in Khankendi/Stepanakert" as having "no legal ground". She further emphasized that the "humanitarian situation in the region & respect for international standards is key."[14][15]
  •  European Union: The spokesperson for the European Union, Nabila Massrali, issued a statement stating that the European Union "does not recognise the constitutional and legal framework" within which the "so-called 'presidential elections'" took place in Karabakh.[16] The EU also thinks it's crucial for the Armenians of Karabakh to unite behind a de facto leadership that is prepared and eager to engage in result-oriented talks with Baku. The EU has made a commitment to help this process.[16][17]
  •  Organisation of Islamic Cooperation: The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) released a statement denouncing the elections as a "flagrant violation of international law". The statement further clarified that the OIC "does not recognize these illegitimate elections, which constitute a violation of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity". The OIC also urged the "UN and international community not to recognize these elections".[18][19]
  •  Organization of Turkic States: The secretary general of the Organization of Turkic States expressed his "deep concern" relating to "so-called presidential elections organized on 9 September 2023 by the illegal regime created by Armenia in the Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan."[20][21][22]
  •  United Nations: Spokesperson of the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, answered the question about UN's position on this election by saying "we would like to recall Security Council resolution affirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan"[23][24][25]

Countries

[edit]
  •  Azerbaijan: The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry called the elections "a gross violation of the Constitution, laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as the norms and principles of international law".[13][26]
  •  Bulgaria: During the meeting with the Head of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova, Chairperson of the National Assembly of Bulgaria Rosen Zhelyazkov stated that they are concerned about "presidential elections" in Karabakh. This "election" contradicts with the statement of Armenian leadership about supporting territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.[27][28]
  •  Georgia: The Georgian Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing "its support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan" and added that it "doesn't recognize so called Presidential elections in Karabakh".[29][30]
  •  Germany: The Foreign Ministry of Germany noted in the statement that it does not recognize the independence of Karabakh and the elections. They also added that Germany recognizes the territorial integrity of both countries within internationally recognized borders.[31][32][33]
  •  Hungary: The Foreign Affairs Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Máté Paczolay said that "Hungary stands up for the respect of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, therefore we consider the so-called "Presidential elections in Nagorno-Karabakh" illegitimate and urge for a peaceful settlement of the conflict as soon as possible."[34][35][36]
  •  Kazakhstan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan has made an official statement on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh: "In connection with the latest events around Nagorno-Karabakh, the Republic of Kazakhstan confirms again its strong support of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders and stands for regulation of all issues by political and diplomatic means, in accordance with the UN Charter and fundamental principles and norms of the international law."[37][38][39]
  •  Kyrgyzstan: On 12 September 2023, Foreign Ministry of Kyrgyzstan made a statement that saying concerning events took place in Karabakh. "The Kyrgyz Republic once again expresses support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan" added MFA.[40][41][42]
  •  Moldova: The Moldovan Foreign Ministry released a statement in which they stated that they "do not recognize the so-called 'presidential elections,' held in the Nagorno-Karabakh region" and that "the elections run counter the fundamental norms and principles of the international law."[43]
  •  Pakistan: The Pakistani Foreign Ministry issued a statement labeling the elections held by "the illegally installed regime" as "legally and morally reprehensible" and a "grave violation of the UN Charter and principles of established international law."[44][45][46]
  •  Romania: The Romania Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement in which it states that Romania "does not recognize the so-called "presidential elections" in the Karabakh region" and "reiterates its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders and advocates political settlement of all issues in the region, in accordance with the principles of international law."[47][48]
  •  Turkey: The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the election and called it a "flagrant violation of international law" and a violation of "Azerbaijan's sovereignity [sic] and territorial integrity".[49][50]
  •  Ukraine: The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement denouncing "the holding of the so-called 'presidential elections' that took place on September 9 in the territory of Karabakh (Republic of Azerbaijan)." They added that the election "contradicts the norms and principles of international law, and their results are null and void."[51][52]
  •  United States: The Spokesperson for the US State Department Matthew Miller said "as we have said in the past, we do not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent and sovereign state and therefore we do not recognize the results of those so-called presidential elections that were announced over the last few days" in his speech during a briefing on 11 September 2023.[53][54]
  •  United Kingdom: The British ambassador to Azerbaijan made a post on Twitter in Azerbaijani, stating that the United Kingdom (UK) "does not recognize the so-called 'presidential elections' held in Karabakh". He further emphasized the UK's support for the "sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan", underscoring the "importance of the principles and norms of international law".[55][56]
  •  Uzbekistan: The Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement in which it states that Uzbekistan "supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the friendly Republic of Azerbaijan", "condemns any interference in its internal affairs" and "does not recognize the so-called presidential elections".[57][58][59]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Nominated by Free Motherland - UCA Alliance, Justice, Armenian Revolutionary Federation and Democratic Party of Artsakh factions

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Artsakh presidential elections will be held on September 9. The name of the only candidate is known". arka.am. 2023-09-08. Archived from the original on 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
  2. ^ "Chapter 4: The President of the Republic". Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Artsakh). 2019-05-21. Archived from the original on 2019-05-21. Retrieved 2023-10-02. In case if the post of the President of the Republic is vacant before the newly-elected President assumes the office the powers of the President of the Republic shall be exercised by the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
  3. ^ a b c Anna (2023-09-06). "Three opposition factions of Artsakh nominate Samvel Shahramanyan as a presidential candidate". Alphanews. Archived from the original on 2023-09-06. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  4. ^ "Artsakh parliament elects Samvel Shahramanyan as president". Arka. 9 September 2023. Archived from the original on 9 September 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  5. ^ "Սամվել Շահրամանյանն ընտրվել է ԱՀ նախագահ". Arka (in Armenian). 9 September 2023. Archived from the original on 9 September 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  6. ^ "Nagorno-Karabakh routes reopen in Lachin corridor deal, say Azeri and Armenian sides". The Guardian. 10 September 2023. Archived from the original on 10 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023. Both Ukraine and Turkey condemned the election, and expressed support for Azerbaijan's claim to Karabakh. The EU said it did not recognise the election, but that Karabakh residents should "consolidate around the de facto leadership" in talks with Armenia.
  7. ^ "World community does not recognise "elections" held by Karabakh separatists". Turan News Agency. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  8. ^ "BREAKING: Nagorno-Karabakh President mulls resigning and joining militia". Armenpress. 2023-08-29. Archived from the original on 2023-08-31. Retrieved 2023-08-31.
  9. ^ Avetisyan, Ani (2023-08-31). "Arayik Harutyunyan resigns as president of Nagorno-Karabakh". OC Media. Archived from the original on 2023-08-31. Retrieved 2023-08-31.
  10. ^ a b "Four factions of Nagorno-Karabakh Parliament nominated Samvel Shahramanian as presidential candidate". www.1lurer.am. 2023-09-06. Archived from the original on 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  11. ^ "Արցախի նախագահը հրաժարականի դիմումը ներկայացրեց ԱԺ" [The President of Artsakh presented his resignation to the National Assembly]. Azatutyun (in Armenian). 2023-09-01. Archived from the original on 2023-09-01. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  12. ^ a b c "Minister of State Samvel Shahramanyan is presidential candidate of 4 of 5 forces in Karabakh legislature". news.am. 2023-09-07. Archived from the original on 2023-09-06. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  13. ^ a b "Самвел Шахраманян избран президентом Нагорного Карабаха". Радио Свобода (in Russian). 2023-09-09. Archived from the original on 2023-09-10. Retrieved 2023-09-09.
  14. ^ Burić, Marija Pejčinović [@MarijaPBuric] (10 September 2023). "So-called 'presidential elections' in Khankendi/Stepanakert have no legal ground. Humanitarian situation in the region & respect for international standards is key. @CoE calls on all sides to de-escalate tensions, engage in a dialogue, restore peace. @CoE ready to support" (Tweet). Retrieved 10 September 2023 – via Twitter.
  15. ^ "CoE doesn't recognise so-called "elections" in Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan". Report News Agency. 21 June 2020. Archived from the original on 18 August 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  16. ^ a b "Azerbaijan: Statement by the spokesperson on the so-called elections in the former Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast". European External Action Service. 9 September 2023. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2023. In view of the so-called 'presidential elections' in Khankendi/Stepanakert on 9 September 2023, the European Union reiterates that it does not recognise the constitutional and legal framework within which they have been held.
  17. ^ "EU doesn't recognize Nagorno-Karabakh election but attaches importance to consolidation around de facto leadership". armenpress.am. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  18. ^ "OIC General Secretariat urges the international community not to recognize the so-called elections held in the territories of Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan". Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. 9 September 2023. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  19. ^ "OIC does not recognise the so-called "elections" in Azerbaijan's Karabakh". Azerbaijani Press Agency. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  20. ^ "Statement by the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States on so-called "presidential elections" organized by the illegal regime in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan". 9 September 2023. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  21. ^ Merkit, Fetih Altay (9 September 2023). "OTS condemns so-called "Presidential Elections" in Karabakh". TuraNews. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  22. ^ "Turkic Council condemns so-called "elections" in occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region". Retrieved 11 September 2023.[permanent dead link‍]
  23. ^ "BMT Ermənistanı Təhlükəsizlik Şurasının qətnamələrinə hörmət etməyə çağırıb". Report İnformasiya Agentliyi (in Azerbaijani). 2023-09-12. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  24. ^ "UN urges Armenia to respect territorial integrity of Azerbaijan - SecGen spokesperson". Trend.Az. 2023-09-12. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  25. ^ Lybia, Morocco, Mali & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (12 September 2023) on YouTube
  26. ^ "Separatist parliament in Azerbaijan's breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region elects new president". ABC News. Archived from the original on 10 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  27. ^ Taghiyev, Anar (2023-09-12). "Bolqarıstan parlamentinin sədri: "Azərbaycanın Qarabağ bölgəsində qondarma rejimin "seçkiləri"ndən narahatıq"". Report İnformasiya Agentliyi (in Azerbaijani). Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  28. ^ "Росен Желязков: Мы обеспокоены "президентскими выборами", которые провел созданный в Карабахском районе Азербайджана незаконный режим". Azertag. 2023-09-12. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  29. ^ "STATEMENT BY THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS". Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 10 September 2023. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  30. ^ Petrova, Maria. "Georgia does not recognize so-called "elections" in Karabakh" (in Russian). Vestikavkaza. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  31. ^ Karadag, Cuneyt (2023-09-16). "Germany says it does not recognize 'election' in Karabakh region". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  32. ^ "Berlin neither recognizes Karabakh as independent, nor recent elections there". Report News Agency. 2023-09-15. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  33. ^ "Germany does not recognize so-called "presidential elections" held in Azerbaijan's Karabakh - MFA". Trend.Az. 2023-09-15. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  34. ^ "Magyarország kiáll Azerbajdzsán területi integritásának tiszteletben tartása mellett". Hungarian Government. 11 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  35. ^ "Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: So-called "presidential elections" in Karabakh are illegitimate". Azerbaijan State News Agency. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  36. ^ Ismukhan, Tasnem (11 September 2023). "Hungary considers so-called "presidential elections" in Azerbaijan's Karabakh illegitimate – MFA". Turkic World. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  37. ^ "Kazakhstan supports sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan - MFA". Kazinform. 12 September 2023.
  38. ^ "Заявление Министерства иностранных дел Республики Казахстан". Kazakhstan MFA (in Russian). 2023-09-12.
  39. ^ "Kazakhstan MFA: Kazakhstan supports sovereignty of Azerbaijan". Apa.az. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  40. ^ "Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic dated September 12, 2023". mfa.gov.kg. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  41. ^ "Kyrgyzstan once again expresses support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan - MFA". News.az. 2023-09-12. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  42. ^ "Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs: We support Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity". Apa.az. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  43. ^ "Moldova does not recognize so-called "presidential elections" from Nagorno-Karabakh region". Moldpres. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  44. ^ "Response to Media Queries". Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 10 September 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  45. ^ "Pakistan calls elections in Karabakh illegal". Dawn. 11 September 2023. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  46. ^ "Pakistan says Karabakh sovereign territory of Azerbaijan, opposes 'so-called election' in region". Arab News. 10 September 2023. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  47. ^ "MAE nu recunoaște așa-zisele "alegeri prezidențiale" din regiunea Karabah". Romania Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Romanian). Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  48. ^ "Romanian MFA does not recognize so-called "presidential elections" held in Azerbaijan's Karabakh". Trend News Agency. 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  49. ^ "No: 218, 9 September 2023, Press Release Regarding the So-Called Elections Held in the Territories of Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan Under the Control of Illegal Armenian Forces". Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 9 September 2023. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  50. ^ "Erdogan Says Will Speak With Armenian PM On Karabakh Election". Barron's. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  51. ^ "Заява МЗС України щодо невизнання так званих "президентських виборів" на території Карабаху, Азербайджан". Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Ukrainian). 9 September 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  52. ^ "Україна не визнає так званих "виборів президента" на території Карабаху". РБК-Украина (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 10 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  53. ^ Department of State Daily Press Briefing – September 11, 2023 on YouTube
  54. ^ "US doesn't recognize so-called "presidential elections" in Karabakh – State Department". Trend News Agency. 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  55. ^ Auld, Fergus [@FergusAuldFCDO] (10 September 2023). "🇬🇧Böyük Britaniya sentyabrın 9-da Qarabağda keçirilən qondarma "prezident seçkiləri"ni tanımır. Biz beynəlxalq hüququn prinsip və normalarının əhəmiyyətini vurğulayaraq, Azərbaycanın suverenliyini və ərazi bütövlüyünü dəstəkləyirik" [🇬🇧 Great Britain does not recognize the so-called "presidential elections" held in Karabakh on September 9. We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, emphasizing the importance of the principles and norms of international law.] (Tweet) (in Azerbaijani). Retrieved 10 September 2023 – via Twitter.
  56. ^ "Envoy: UK does not recognize so-called 'elections' in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region". Report News Agency. 10 September 2023. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  57. ^ "Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan". Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 11 September 2023. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  58. ^ "'Uzbekistan does not recognize elections in Nagorno-Karabakh,' – Foreign Ministry". daryo.uz. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  59. ^ "Uzbekistan does not recognize so-called "presidential elections" held in Azerbaijan's Karabakh – MFA". Trend News Agency. 11 September 2023. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
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