YEREVAN. – Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan came to vote with his wife and two daughters. In a conversation with journalists he wished Armenia a quiet voting day.

“I am sure it will be so, as many steps have been taken for that. The parliamentary majority and opposition have created such legislative field and control mechanisms that should inspire confidence that each voice is decisive to determine the political situation for five years,” Sargsyan said.

In conclusion, the Minister of Defense wished peace and a quiet voting day.

Armenia is holding a parliamentary election for the first time since new Constitution was approved through a referendum in December 2015. The new National Assembly will have 105 deputies, four of whom—representatives of ethnic minorities.

A total of 2,009 election precincts are open all through the country. This voting will be the only national one in the next five years, as Armenia is transitioning to a parliamentary republic.

Five political parties and four blocs are running for parliament. Political parties have to get five percent of votes, whereas the blocs need seven percent to be elected to the National Assembly of Armenia.