Ruben Rubinyan passed a confirmation vote in parliament on Monday and was elected Speaker with 63 votes in favor and 28 against.

Ninety-one out of 105 lawmakers participated in the vote.

Rubinyan was nominated by the ruling Civil Contract party.

The opposition Armenia faction boycotted the vote, while the other opposition bloc, Strong Armenia, said ahead of the vote that it would oppose Rubinyan’s candidacy.

“Dear colleagues, I would like to once again thank you for nominating my candidacy and for voting in my favor. This is the greatest honor for me, and I fully understand the responsibility that comes with this decision. I will do everything I can not to disappoint you.

Dear colleagues from the opposition, the fact that you did not vote for me does not mean anything in our relations. I intend to be the Speaker of the entire National Assembly,” Ruben Rubinyan said.