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Armenia is holding parliamentary elections today, June 7, with voter turnout reaching record levels and long queues forming at polling stations across the country, UATV English informs.
Unlike previous elections, voting is not being conducted abroad. The first preliminary results are expected to begin arriving around 11:00 p.m. local time.
According to FREEДOM correspondent Nikita Skoblikov in Yerevan, polling stations have seen a significant influx of voters throughout the day.
FREEДOM journalists visited several polling stations and observed large crowds and long lines of voters. Many of those interviewed said their primary hopes are for stability, peace, and security.
“That everything will be fine for us. That people can live peacefully and, as they say, that there will always be peace.”
“Today I voted for our future — so that life becomes better and we can live peacefully and with dignity under normal conditions.”
Voter turnout has significantly exceeded levels recorded during previous elections. According to the Central Election Commission of Armenia, more than one-third of eligible voters had cast their ballots by mid-afternoon.
“Turnout by 2:00 p.m. exceeded 100,000 additional voters and reached approximately 33%. This year, the Central Election Commission used every possible platform to conduct public outreach and explain the importance of participating in the electoral process. We began this work well before the election period, and it has produced results. Citizens want their voices to be heard. That is how we can explain the high turnout,” said Anna Grigoryan.
Many observers view these elections as a defining choice between continuing Armenia’s pro-Western course and a possible return to Russia’s sphere of influence.
A total of 18 political forces are competing in the election, including 16 parties and two electoral blocs.
According to pre-election polling, the ruling Civil Contract party, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, remains the frontrunner and is projected to receive around 30% of the vote.
Several parties viewed as more closely aligned with Russia — including Armenia Alliance, Armenia Bloc, and Strong Armenia — are expected to follow behind the ruling party. While each trails Civil Contract individually, together they represent a significant political force.
Particular attention has focused on Strong Armenia and its leader, Samvel Karapetyan, who was detained in 2025 on charges related to calls for a change of government and later faced allegations involving the laundering of state funds.
Voting is continuing across Armenia, with several hours remaining before polling stations close. Once voting ends, the Central Election Commission will begin counting ballots, and the first preliminary results and exit poll data are expected later in the evening.
Read also: Voter Turnout Surpasses Previous Elections as Armenia’s Parliamentary Vote Gains Momentum
