Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's 'Civil Contract' party secured 49.81% of the vote in the country's parliamentary elections, falling short of the 50% threshold. This marks a decline from the 54% achieved in the 2021 elections, according to Reuters. The Central Election Commission reported a voter turnout of 58.97%, or 1,476,597 citizens.
The 'Strong Armenia' alliance came second with 23.29% of the vote. The 'Armenia' alliance, led by former President Robert Kocharyan, placed third with 9.94%. The 'Prosperous Armenia' party, founded by billionaire Gagik Tsarukyan, garnered 4%. The opposition collectively secured 37.23% of the vote and is set to enter parliament.
The elections took place amid heightened tensions between Armenia and Russia. On May 29, leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia called on Armenia to hold a referendum on remaining in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) or pursuing EU membership. The Russian president allegedly warned Yerevan of severe economic consequences if it leaves the EAEU.
In a post-election statement, Pashinyan said Armenia would continue rapprochement with the West but would not halt its participation in the EAEU. 'We will continue the course of rapprochement while maintaining our participation and membership in the Eurasian Economic Union. We will also develop relations with Russia and other EAEU countries,' he stated.
Eighteen political forces were registered for the elections, with four surpassing the minimum vote threshold. According to Armenia's Electoral Code, a party or coalition can form a government if it secures at least 52% of parliamentary seats. 'Civil Contract' may receive additional mandates to reach this threshold, as it holds a relative majority.
Pashinyan declared a 'historic victory' for his party even before 20% of the votes were processed. 'The Armenian people voted for regional prosperity and cooperation, and I hope this will be positively received by Turkey and Azerbaijan,' he said. Kocharyan dismissed the statement as an attempt to pressure the Central Election Commission.
Source: www.gazeta.uz