"A citizen of the Republic of Armenia cannot simultaneously be a citizen of another country." This is the second part of Article 14 of the current Constitution, which categorically denies dual citizenship. Dual citizenship has constantly been on the political agenda of independent Armenia. Numerous arguments have been brought both for and against the idea. The arguments in support include a huge Diaspora, allowing a larger percentage of Armenians to participate in the political, economic, and cultural life of Armenia, increasing investments in the country, and so on. Those opposed to the idea cite the dangers of allowing other countries and their citizens to interfere in the political life of Armenia, and to influence the domestic and foreign policy of our country. Supporters and opponents have not come to an agreement over the proposed amendments to the Constitution. Although the article denying dual citizenship has been removed, the Constitution itself says nothing about the rights and duties of dual citizens. The only mention in the proposed package of dual citizenship is in the fourth part of article 30.1, which states, "The rights and duties of individuals with dual citizenship are to be outlined by law."

This position completely satisfies the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF-Dashnaktsutsyun). Members of the ARF claim that it was with great difficulty that they managed to convince the ruling coalition to remove the article prohibiting dual citizenship. The ARF is already working on the law regarding dual citizenship. "The law regarding dual citizenship is 80-90% ready," said ARF Supreme Council member Armen Rustamyan. Rustamyan did not deny that accepting dual citizenship would cause various problems; "It just means that we have to work, we have to think hard about using dual citizenship to increase the size of our labor force. There are just 9 million of us in the world; we cannot afford any luxuries. A country's power depends on its labor force." In Rustamyan's view, dual citizenship is a privilege, which each individual must earn. "For someone to get dual citizenship, they must first prove their dedication to the country," he said.

ARF member Levon Mkrtchyan believes that in failing to establish the principle of dual citizenship in the 1995 Constitution, Armenia lost an opportunity to build up a pan-Armenian potential. "If someone has a history of residence, pays taxes, has paid his debts to his country and has served in the army, why shouldn't he be allowed to elect and be elected?" he asked. Although he supports dual citizenship, Mkrtchyan believes it should be disallowed for holders of office such as the president, speaker of parliament, as well as for ministers and other senior officials.

Galust Sahakyan, a member of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) and leader of their parliamentary faction sees dual citizenship as having symbolic significance: "Removing obstacles to dual citizenship in these amendments was a result of political compromise. After a great deal of though and discussion, the coalition accepted the ARF's proposal. Dual citizenship is more linked to our national issues, and not to legal norms. If a US citizen receives Armenian citizenship, the US would not allow them to participate in elections in Armenia or to serve in the Armenian army." In Sahakyan's view, the experience of other countries has proven that dual citizenship does not work. He does not agree with the idea that giving dual citizens the right to vote can cause other countries to influence the election of the president of Armenia. "That is a misinformed political opinion and smacks of tautology. The real matter is economic process."

According to economist Tatul Manaseryan constitutional reform is unacceptable in the current conditions. As for dual citizenship, its influence on the economic development of the country will not be felt. "Because the commercial atmosphere in the country is still not healthy, dual citizenship cannot lead to increased investments or a rise in paid taxes. Those Diasporan Armenians who are doing business in Armenia today do not expect that dual citizenship will be permitted. The development of an atmosphere of trust and the creation of equal conditions for local Armenians and those abroad are what will lead to real economic development." Manaseryan believes that dual citizenship is more of a need for those Armenians who emigrated from the country in recent years but do not want to break their ties with Armenia. "The government today needs to first protect the interests of the citizens of Armenia. Only then can it start to consider protecting the interests of foreign citizens." Moreover, Manaseryan sees a serious danger in the acceptance of the idea of dual citizenship. "Not everyone has good intentions in seeking Armenian citizenship. One should seriously consider an individual's mental capabilities, intentions, and willingness to serve Armenia. One can't rule out that secret agents of Armenian ethnicity might want to take advantage of this opportunity."

While other political powers accept the idea of dual citizenship, albeit with certain reservations, the Armenian National Movement (ANM) is categorically against it. ANM member Davit Shahnazaryan said that if dual citizenship is accepted, then the biggest threat to Armenia will be from Russia. "Dual citizenship is accepted in all the European countries, and is outlined by bilateral international agreements. Armenia and Russia will be quick to sign a similar agreement, because it is primarily in Russia's interests to do so. As a result, the 2.5 million Armenians there today will do Russia's bidding when it comes to participation in elections. We all know how elections are organized in Russia. They don't have free and fair elections there. In essence, our state will cease to exist independently," Shahnazaryan said.

Constitutional scholar Vardan Poghosyan cited international precedents noting, "International studies show that a majority of countries have a negative attitude towards dual citizenship. This is because of complications that arise for people with dual citizenship. Dual citizens are simultaneously dependent on two different countries and may end up with contradictory responsibilities - military service, paying taxes, holding elected office, and so on."

None of the rights of dual citizens are outlined in the proposed constitution - these will be determined by a corresponding law. The proposed changes make no mention of dual citizens' political rights, either. Vardan Poghosyan could not rule out the hypothetical possibility that in the near future dual citizens would outnumber those who are citizens of Armenia alone, and, having the right to vote and hold office, albeit having never lived in Armenia in their lives, they could play a critical role in determining the results of elections in the country.

In order to avoid any negative backlash from accepting dual citizenship, the constitutional scholar believes that it is necessary to have the following provision in the new constitution - "Individuals who hold citizenship of another country besides that of Armenia will not be allowed to hold the office of president, member of parliament, or other state positions. Individuals who hold the citizenship of another country besides that of Armenia will be allowed to vote only in the case of permanent residence in Armenia for a certain period of time before the elections."