Today at 14:54
Approximately 15% of eligible voters have already cast their ballots in Armenia’s parliamentary elections, according to the Central Election Commission of Armenia.
A total of 18 political forces are participating in the elections, including 16 parties and two electoral blocs. At least 101 seats in parliament are to be filled, UATV English reports.
The vote is being widely described as one of the most important elections in the country’s history. Voters are effectively being asked to determine Armenia’s future strategic direction and choose between closer integration with European Union institutions and continued alignment with Russia.
Ahead of the election, Moscow reportedly exerted economic and political pressure on Yerevan, warning of potential consequences similar to those experienced by Ukraine if Armenia moves closer to the European Union.
“I came to vote hoping that our wishes can change something. I hope I made the right choice, although it was not easy,” one Armenian voter said.
As previously reported, voting began at 8:00 a.m. local time, with 2,005 polling stations opening across the country. Under Armenian law, no overseas polling stations are operating during the election.
Read also: What Mood Are Armenians Bringing to the Polls and What Are They Expecting From the Elections?
