Yerevan: Armenia is preparing for a significant parliamentary election this Sunday, which is expected to shape the country's foreign policy direction as the current government, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, continues to pursue deeper ties with Europe. Nearly 2.5 million registered voters will participate in the election to fill the 101-seat National Assembly, with the ruling Civil Contract party currently holding a majority of 69 seats.
According to Anadolu Agency, the election will take place from 8 am to 8 pm local time across more than 2,000 polling stations, with international observers from organizations such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) monitoring the process. Sixteen political parties and two alliances, including the ruling Civil Contract, are registered for the election. Key opposition includes the Armenia Alliance, led by former President Robert Kocharyan, and the Strong Armenia party, led by billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, who is currently under house arrest.
The opposition parties challenge the pro-European stance of the current government, advocating instead for stronger ties with Russia. The election marks Armenia's first regular vote since the snap elections of 2018 and 2021 and comes after significant geopolitical shifts in the region, including Azerbaijan's reestablishment of sovereignty over Karabakh in September 2023.
The foreign policy implications of the election are significant, with Pashinyan's government committed to enhancing relations with the European Union, which has increased tensions with Moscow. Armenia's recent legislative efforts towards eventual EU accession have met with caution from Russia, which warns that such a move could affect Armenia's membership and benefits within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Diplomatic tensions have also risen as Armenia hosted a European Political Community summit, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy making anti-Russian statements, leading to diplomatic protests from Moscow. In response to regional pressures, Eurasian leaders have suggested Armenia hold a referendum on choosing between the EU and the EAEU, though Pashinyan has indicated Armenia will remain in the EAEU until a decisive choice is necessary.
The election also holds importance for Armenia's relations with neighboring Turkey and Azerbaijan. The Civil Contract party has promoted regional integration and normalization efforts, including peace agreements with Azerbaijan and efforts to restore diplomatic ties with Turkey. Yerevan and Baku have made strides in resolving longstanding conflicts, reopening transit routes, and improving diplomatic relations, which have also positively affected Armenia's engagement with Turkey.
Prime Minister Pashinyan has expressed optimism about achieving normalization with both Azerbaijan and Turkey, emphasizing the economic and diplomatic benefits of such developments. He noted that establishing relations with Turkey and securing peace with Azerbaijan are crucial for Armenia's future, allowing it to become a "state of a new quality" and maintaining balanced foreign relations.