Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has declared victory in the country's parliamentary election, even as vote counting continues. Speaking to supporters in Yerevan, Pashinyan expressed confidence that his party would secure a majority in the National Assembly, allowing him to continue his reform agenda.
Election Context
The election, held on June 7, 2026, was seen as a crucial test for Pashinyan, who came to power in 2018 after leading mass protests against corruption and authoritarianism. His tenure has been marked by significant political and economic reforms, but also by challenges including the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan.
Pashinyan's main rivals include former President Robert Kocharyan and other opposition figures who have criticized his handling of the war and the economy. However, early results suggest that Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has maintained strong support among voters.
International Observers
International observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have noted that the election was competitive and that fundamental freedoms were respected. However, they also reported instances of vote buying and media bias, which could affect the final outcome.
The Central Election Commission is expected to release full results within the coming days. Pashinyan has called for unity and pledged to continue working for the country's prosperity. "This victory is for all Armenians," he said. "We will build a stronger, more democratic Armenia."
