Armenia Plans for Constitutional Referendum in 2027

The Armenian government is gearing up for a constitutional referendum planned for 2027, following demands from neighboring Azerbaijan. This referendum, which could potentially reshape Armenia’s political and legal landscape, has become a focal point of both domestic and international attention.

Justice Minister Grigor Minasyan announced on Thursday that the referendum is part of a broader agreement stemming from ongoing negotiations with Azerbaijan. "The constitutional referendum, as a result of a new agreement, is planned for 2027," Minasyan stated, emphasizing that the process will involve thorough public discussions and collaboration with legal experts. He stressed that the government is not rushing the process, intending to carefully draft a comprehensive document that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Armenian people.

Minasyan leads the Constitutional Reform Council, established by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in 2022. Originally tasked with proposing amendments to Armenia’s current constitution, the council’s mission was altered in May 2023. Pashinyan directed the council to create a completely new constitution by January 2027, an endeavor that has sparked widespread debate and controversy.

The push for a new Armenian constitution has been heavily influenced by demands from Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani leaders have made it clear that they view a change in Armenia’s constitution as a prerequisite for a peace treaty between the two nations. Specifically, Baku wants Yerevan to remove a preamble in the Armenian constitution that references the country’s 1990 declaration of independence. This declaration, in turn, cites a 1989 unification act between Soviet Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (also known as the Republic of Artsakh), a region historically inhabited by indigenous Armenians, which Azerbaijan claims and currently occupies.

For Azerbaijan, the removal of this reference is critical, as they argue that it implies territorial claims on Azerbaijani land. However, Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan has denied opposition accusations that he is capitulating to Azerbaijani pressure. Nonetheless, he acknowledged in February that achieving lasting peace with Azerbaijan would be impossible as long as the 1990 declaration remains part of Armenia’s constitution.

The proposal for a new constitution has not been without its critics within Armenia. Edmond Marukyan, a politician and member of the Constitutional Reform Council, publicly opposed the adoption of a new constitution on August 1. Marukyan argued that Azerbaijan is using the constitutional issue as a stalling tactic to avoid signing a peace deal and warned that even if Armenia complies, Baku may continue to make additional demands.

Furthermore, the two civic activists on the council have expressed concerns that any new constitution should still include references to the 1990 declaration. Despite their reservations, they find themselves outnumbered by pro-government members of the council who are likely to support Pashinyan’s directives.

The situation took a further turn in late April when Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reiterated his demands for constitutional changes in Armenia. This came shortly after the Armenian government agreed to surrender four Armenian border villages to Azerbaijan, a move that has been met with outrage by Armenian opposition leaders. They argue that these territorial concessions will only embolden Baku to press for more demands from Yerevan.

As Armenia prepares for the 2027 referendum, the government faces the challenging task of balancing domestic concerns with external pressures. The drafting of a new constitution will require careful consideration, extensive public involvement, and a clear vision for the country’s future.