Judicial Elections and Appointments in Post-Revolutionary Contexts: The Case of Armenia’s Post-Velvet Revolution

This thesis explores the dynamics of judicial appointments and the establishment of judicial independence in post-revolutionary and post-conflict contexts, with a case study on Armenia’s judicial reforms following the 2018 Velvet Revolution. It examines how political transitions affect the structure and functioning of judicial institutions, with particular attention to the role of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) in promoting transparent and depoliticized judicial appointments. Despite reform efforts, challenges such as inconsistent vetting procedures and ongoing concerns about political interference persist. The thesis also discusses the human rights implications of judicial reform, particularly in relation to fair trial guarantees and access to justice. Armenia's experience is contextualized through a comparative analysis of other post-revolutionary and transitional countries, including Georgia, Ukraine, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, highlighting shared patterns, achievements, and setbacks in judicial reform. The study contributes to a broader understanding of how emerging democracies can strengthen judicial independence as a foundation for democratic consolidation.