Ruben Rubinyan, Deputy Speaker of Armenia's National Assembly, commented on the Civil Contract party board's decision to nominate him for the post of Speaker of the National Assembly, saying that the political decision has already been made.

Rubinyan stressed that the Civil Contract party board has always followed the same procedures when selecting candidates for various positions or making decisions, Armenpress reported.

"Candidates deliver speeches, questions are asked, then there are closing remarks followed by a vote. In this particular case, all candidates presented their vision, tried to highlight their strengths, and the well-known outcome was recorded. I cannot say whether it was expected or not, but I am honored by the result. This trust places a great responsibility on me, but I cannot say that I need to do anything better than the previous speaker. Alen Simonyan has been a very good Speaker of the National Assembly and is the first to have served until the end of the full term. Hayk Konjoryan has been an excellent leader of the parliamentary faction. Over the past five years, we have carried out tremendous and highly responsible work while overcoming major challenges," Rubinyan said.

He added that, with the participation and support of their team, peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan had been achieved, and therefore they are determined to continue working together.

Rubinyan also recalled that votes within the Civil Contract party board are held behind closed doors and by secret ballot.

"I assume that most of my colleagues believed that at this stage it would be appropriate for me to hold this position, and this is a normal process. Politically, the decision has already been made," Rubinyan said.

Following discussions and a closed secret ballot at a meeting of the Civil Contract party board, Ruben Rubinyan was selected as the party's candidate for Speaker of the National Assembly. After the meeting, Armenian Prime Minister and Civil Contract board chairman Nikol Pashinyan informed reporters of the decision.