Power will inevitably change hands, but that goal should be achieved gradually, step by step, Strong Armenia alliance leader Samvel Karapetyan said during a media briefing outside the Anti-Corruption Court.

“Street protests will definitely take place—once and for all,” Karapetyan said, according to Sputnik Armenia.

He said that launching street protests at this stage could have pushed the country into instability. For that reason, the opposition decided to take up its seats in the National Assembly and continue its struggle through legal means.

According to the Strong Armenia party leader, voters also signaled support before the decision was made. However, the key consideration was the assessment that this was the shortest path to removing Nikol Pashinyan from office.

Karapetyan said he is convinced that the decision in no way means the opposition recognizes or legitimizes the current authorities.

He also announced plans to consult with other opposition forces and jointly appeal to the Russian Federation to lift the economic restrictions imposed on Armenia.

The Constitutional Court rejected the lawsuit filed by seven political forces. As a result, the final election results allocate parliamentary seats as follows: Civil Contract — 64 seats, Strong Armenia — 29 seats, Hayastan — 12 seats.