Armenian Republican Party's Press Writer Eduard Sharmazanov has confirmed that his party "has decided not to nominate a candidate for the prime minister in the forecoming parliamentary elections". 

Sharmazanov said that the decision was taken after taking into account of the situation in the domestic politics, and having resolved that the party's priorities are the interests, security and stability of the state.

Sharmazanov added that all the candidates would discuss their programs and explain their positions until the vote.

The Armenian parliament has 105 seats. At present there are 58 deputies from the ruling Armenian Republican Party, 31 of the Tsarukyan Bloc, 9 of the Elk (exit) group, and 7 deputies of the Dashnak Party.

What happened?

Serj Sarkisyan announced his resignation on Monday 23 April following 11 days of protests and demonstrations in the country. The protests were organized against Sarkisyan taking up the role of Prime Minister, following two terms as President. Something the opposition said was an abuse of power.