Artsakh Constitution and Judiciary

The Republic of Artsakh is an independent State predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians. Artsakh has its own government, which holds elections under a democratic constitutional framework. Artsakh’s constitution comprises 175 articles, including fundamental human and citizens’ rights and freedoms.

Artsakh previously operated under a semi-presidential system, with the establishment in 1992 of the position of Prime Minister, appointed by the head of state — the President. In a constitutional referendum held in 2017, citizens voted in favour of transforming Artsakh into a presidential system and the office of Prime Minister was abolished. The President accordingly became both the head of state and the head of government.

The Artsakh government is currently composed of a National Assembly made up of 33 members, and a judiciary. National Assembly members are elected for a term of five years, in elections held concurrently with the presidential elections. The government is currently led by the head of state, President Arayik Harutyunyan. There is an Audit Chamber which reviews public finance and the use of state- and community-owned property.

Artsakh Ministries of State

The Artsakh government includes the following ministries:

• Ministry of Defence
• Ministry of Economy and Agriculture
• Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport
• Ministry of Finance
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Ministry of Healthcare
• Ministry of Justice
• Ministry of Labour, Social and Resettlement affairs
• Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure
• Ministry of Urban Planning

Jucicial System              

Artsakh has a Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and a court of first instance. Artsakh’s Supreme Court is composed of a chairperson and six female judges.

Artsakh has a Prosecutor General who is elected by the National Assembly upon recommendation of the President, for a term of six years.

Artsakh has a Human Rights Ombudsman, an independent official who observes the maintenance of human rights and freedoms on the part of state and local self-government bodies and officials. The Ombudsman is elected by the National Assembly for a term of six years.