@pony @tuxcrafting It's more nuanced than that. The nationalistic elements in the country are in fact calling for immediate recognition of the republic. However recognition by Armenia alone will change nothing if the international community doesn't support and eventually also recognize it. Because of this the government was doing everything to make sure proper democratic elections take place to thwart any doubts that Armenia just assigned an authoritarian government in the controlled territory. The last election (still not accepted by international community) took place during the pandemic, and now shortly after the elections the war broke out. And It is an all out war. Once Armenia recognizes the republic there is no going back, it would be left to the judgement of the international community, so it needs to be flawless, or it'll only make things worse.