A government-backed bill to modify and amend the country’s Electoral Code failed to pass today in parliament.

56 MPs voted in favor, seven less than the 63 votes (3/5ths) needed for passage. Three MPs voted against the bill.

Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan described the vote as a blow to the democratic process and a sign that snap parliamentary elections are urgently needed.

Most of the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) 51 MPs opposed the bill by boycotting the vote. 15 HHK MPs did vote in favor of the bill.

All nine MPs from Pashinyan's Yelk Alliance voted in favor of the bill. Five of the six ARF MPs also voted in favor. (One abstained from voting). Of the Tsarukyan Alliance's 31 MP's, 27 voted in favor, 2 were no shows, and 2 abstained from voting. 

In a Facebook post following the vote, Pashinyan said while his opponents were waging a “policy of sabotage” the victory of the people is “unavoidable” and called on citizens to prepare for snap parliamentary elections that are designed to finalize regime change in Armenia.

“Whatever the electoral code, there will be no return to the past and the struggle against illegalities and corruption will continue in principle. Thus, dear people, stay strong. The revolution will reach its final stage. There will be snap parliamentary elections in December,” Pashinyan said.

The government justified passage of the bill, claiming that it would make the electoral code more democratic and simplified.