Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II arrived to a polling station in Etchmiadzin to vote in the parliamentary elections.

After the vote, the Catholicos said: “We cast our ballots hoping that these elections will bring our people progress, development and will ensure a peaceful and tranquil life, and will give Armenians optimism, hope and faith."

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.