Armenians go to the polls under Russian pressure aimed at preventing a drift toward West

Published 7 June 2026 · politics

Armenians will vote on Sunday (June 7, 2026) in parliamentary elections as the incumbent government, under mounting Russian pressure, seeks to loosen ties with Moscow

Armenians will vote on Sunday (June 7, 2026) in parliamentary elections as the incumbent government, under mounting Russian pressure, seeks to loosen ties with Moscow and deepen cooperation with the West. Also read | Russia recalls Envoy to Armenia over EU ties ahead of vote Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his ruling Civil Contract party are looking for a strong mandate for a new geopolitical course. The opposition they face includes some parties that are vocally pro-Russian. Russian officials have hit Armenian exports with a barrage of restrictions in recent weeks, while high-ranking officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have made thinly veiled threats comparing Armenia’s path to that already taken by Ukraine. Armenian investigators said they issued six arrest warrants for members of the opposition Strong Armenia party the day before the vote, accusing them of buying votes. The nation's Central Election Committee confirmed Saturday (June 6, 2026) that the party could run after a member of another opposition party, Republic, appealed for Strong Armenia to be barred over corruption allegations. Armenia’s Parliament, the Assembly, must consist of at least 101 members who are elected for five-year terms. Parties must win at least 4% of the vote to take a seat, while blocs made up of three or more parties must hit 8%. Two political blocs and 17 parties are taking part in Sunday's (June 7, 2026) election.

Most pollsters and experts have predicted Mr. Pashinyan, who came to power in 2018 following sweeping street protests, will come out ahead. “I think Armenians expect, first of all, a peaceful, independent, and prosperous Armenia from this election, as we have today,” said Hripsime Grigoryan, a Civil Contract member of the outgoing Parliament. Pashinyan has spoken on several occasions about the need for a balanced foreign policy ensuring Armenia maintains good relations with the United States, Europe, and Russia, as well as regional powers such as Turkey and Iran. Despite this, Mr. Pashinyan has attracted far more enthusiasm in the West than in Moscow. He has been endorsed by several European leaders, as well as U.S. President Donald Trump. “Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, of Armenia, a great friend and Leader, is making his Country strong, wealthy, and very secure,” Trump wrote on social media, urging Armenians to “Make (Armenia) Great Again.” This has displeased the Kremlin. Speaking to journalists after Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9, Mr. Putin said that if the Armenian people saw benefits in joining the European Union, then “we will certainly have nothing to say against it.” Yet he also reminded reporters, “We are currently living through everything that is happening in respect of Ukraine. And how did it start? It started with Ukraine’s joining or attempting to join the EU.” Unlike the Civil Contract party, most of Armenia’s opposition supports building stronger relations with Moscow.