Armenians went to the polls on Sunday in a parliamentary election that is expected to bolster the country's pro-European trajectory, despite Russia's anger at the government's course. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party leads with 32% support, according to surveys.

The main rival is the pro-Russia Strong Armenia party, founded by Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, which has only 11% support. The election is also viewed as a referendum on Pashinyan's peace efforts with longtime foe Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan faces criticism from opponents who accuse him of making too many concessions to Azerbaijan, particularly in a US-brokered agreement signed last August. He has also been accused of authoritarianism, with many opponents jailed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made veiled threats about the economic consequences of Armenia's shift toward the West, citing Ukraine's crisis as a warning. Russia has also imposed restrictions on Armenian flower and vegetable imports.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accused Moscow of weaponizing economic relations and pledged €50 million in aid to Armenia, along with relaxed trade conditions for goods targeted by Russia.

Some 2.48 million people are registered to vote. Pashinyan is unlikely to secure an absolute majority, meaning he may need to form a coalition government.

Source: www.dw.com