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MP Ishkhan Saghatelyan from the opposition Armenia bloc was elected deputy speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly in a secret ballot on Friday. The lawmaker had been nominated for the post for the third time.

Summing up the voting results, Counting Commission Chairman Narek Babayan said 103 out of 107 MPs took part in the secret vote. 64 MPs voted for, while 37 others voted against, with two ballots declared invalid.

“I would like to thank the citizens who voted for the Armenia alliance, you gave us a mandate and we are obliged to fully represent your interests,” Saghatelyan said after the vote, expressing gratitude also to those people who did not vote for his team, adding that they will represent their interests in parliament as well.

Saghatelyan recalled that a lawmaker is guided by his own conscience, adding his conscience makes him be concerned about the current situation in the country.

“There are many problems and challenges facing the country that we have to overcome. I am ready to make serious efforts and will make the voice of Armenian citizens heard,” he said.

Lawmakers proceeded to discuss the issue of setting up parliamentary committees.