State Power

The Republic of Artsakh is a sovereign, democratic, legal, social state, where power belongs to the people. The system of state power in the Republic is based on the separation and balance of the legislative, executive and judicial powers, as well as on the principles of the distribution of the powers between republican and local authorities.

The head of state is the President of the Republic, who is elected for a five- year term. The same person cannot hold the post of the President of the Republic for more than two terms running.

The President of the Republic follows the constitution, ensures the normal functioning of the legislative, executive and judicial authorities.

The President of the Republic is the guarantor of sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and security of the Republic of Artsakh.

The President represents the Republic in international relations, implements the overall leadership of the foreign policy.

He is the supreme commander of the armed forces, coordinates the activities of the state organs in the sphere of defense, appoints and releases the supreme command staff of the armed forces and other troops.

The President forms the National Security and presides it.

The Head of State solves issues related to RA citizenship and political asylum.

He awards orders and medals of the RA, grants highest military and honorary titles, highest diplomatic and other degrees.

The President grants amnesty.

The supreme body of the legislative power of the Republic of Artsakh is the National Assembly elected for a five-year term.

The National Assembly consists of not less than 27 and not more than 33 members. The National Assembly is elected by proportional electoral system. The regular elections of the National Assembly are held simultaneously with the Presidential elections.

 The regular sessions of the National Assembly are convened twice a year. Extraordinary session or meeting of the National Assembly is convened by the President of the National Assembly upon the initiative of the President of the Republic or at least a quarter of the total number of Deputies.

 The Government is the collegial body of the executive power supporting the implementation of the authority of the President of the Republic, elaborating and implementing the state's internal and foreign policy on the basis and under the President's program. The Government consists of the Prime Minister and Ministers. The Government is formed by the President of the Republic, after which, within twenty days, the President of the Republic publishes his plan.

 The meetings are convoked and chaired by the President of the Republic. Resolutions of the Government are approved by the President of the Republic.

 Justice in the Republic of Artsakh is exercised by the courts in accordance with the Constitution and laws. The creation of extraordinary courts in the Republic is prohibited.

When administering justice, the judge is independent and operates only in accordance with the Constitution and laws. The courts in the Republic of Artsakh are independent. The RA judges are appointed for life and hold office until the age of 65. Powers of a judge are suspended only by the Constitution and in the cases provided by the law.

The judicial system of the RA consists of:

•          Supreme Court

•          The Court of Appeal

•          Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body of the Republic of Artsakh. It implements constitutional justice, ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution.