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Parliamentary elections in Armenia have concluded, with nearly 59% of eligible voters casting their ballots on June 7, UATV English reports.
While no official final results have yet been announced, Armenian media outlets have begun publishing preliminary estimates indicating that the ruling Civil Contract party of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is leading the race.
According to Armenia’s Central Election Commission, voter turnout reached 58.97%, the highest level since the post-revolution elections of 2017, when turnout stood at 61%. By comparison, turnout was 48.63% in 2018 and 49% in 2021.
Experts attribute the strong turnout to the highly politicized nature of Armenian society and the significance of the election, which many see as a choice between closer integration with the West and a return to warmer relations with Russia.
“We had high turnout across the country. In 2021, turnout was around 49%, while now it has reached 58.97%. This is a strong turnout. The reason is the active campaigning conducted by the parties participating in the election,” said Vahagn Hovakimyan.
Although official exit polls are not conducted in Armenia, Armenian outlet News.am, citing an independent survey, reported the following preliminary figures:
- Civil Contract — 32.7%
- Strong Armenia led by Samvel Karapetyan — 29%
Many voters interviewed by FREEДOM said they hoped the elections would bring greater stability, security, and economic improvement.
“Elections matter. We must take responsibility for whom we elect and why, so that no one else makes that choice for us,” said Yerevan resident Artem.
Others expressed support for Armenia’s European future while maintaining balanced relations with neighboring countries.
“For me, it is very important that the country preserves its sovereignty and retains the right to choose its own partners. I would like Armenia to move toward Europe while maintaining a proper balance with our neighbors,” said Yerevan resident Astkhik Sarkisyan.
According to preliminary media reports, the two main contenders emerging from the election are Pashinyan and Karapetyan. Despite being detained last year over allegations related to calls for a seizure of power, Karapetyan’s political force was allowed to participate in the election, which supporters cite as evidence of Armenia’s democratic process.
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