Armenia’s National Assembly has rejected placing the draft law proposing reduced mandatory military service in exchange for a monetary payment on its session agenda. The bill received only one vote in favor, with 87 members voting against it.

The bill was authored by Hayk Sargsyan, a member of the ruling Civil Contract faction. Prior to the vote, Sargsyan referenced a statement made by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a government meeting, where the PM remarked, “If there were a world championship for postponements, our government would take first place with an absolute world record.”

Citing this, Sargsyan expressed frustration over repeated delays and deferrals related to discussions on his proposal, according to Aysor.am.

“There’s no more postponement,” emphasized Sargsyan, suggesting that calls to delay his initiative are constant.

Previously, the bill had failed to gain approval from the National Assembly’s Defense and Security Committee, where it received 5 votes in favor, 4 against, and 1 abstention.

Hayk Konjoryan, head of the Civil Contract faction, told Armenpress that the proposal had undergone extensive discussion. However, the wording, legal framework, and timing of its submission were not deemed acceptable.

“The strategy for military reform is among our government’s priorities. While some parts of the proposal align with these reforms, we cannot accept it in its current form. Our faction will vote against it,” Konjoryan stated.

In his speech, Sargsyan admitted he hadn’t had the chance to present the draft to all of his colleagues. “Following the Prime Minister’s instructions, I will continue working with my colleagues to implement the reforms outlined in the government’s program as soon as possible. I too will vote against the bill,” he concluded.

The bill proposed allowing citizens to pay the state to fulfill military service obligations: 24 million drams for one month of service and 18 million for four months. Additionally, a 15 million dram payment would be imposed on male citizens who renounce Armenian citizenship before turning 18. It also suggested revising medical exemptions and allowing limited service options for those with conditions such as myopia, including placement in non-combat units.