The pro-Russian opposition alliance Strong Armenia (Hayastan) has demanded that Armenia's Central Election Commission annul the results of the June 7 parliamentary elections, citing irregularities during the voting process. Alliance representative Aram Vardevanyan told journalists in the capital Yerevan that the petition was submitted on June 13, alleging that the victory of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's ruling Civil Contract party cannot be recognized despite the wide margin.
Preliminary results showed the ruling party, which has deepened ties with Western countries since taking power in 2018, garnered 49.8% of the vote. In contrast, Strong Armenia received only 23.2% and campaigned on a platform of maintaining traditional close relations with Russia.
The move comes despite apparent attempts by Moscow to influence the race. Russia has been accused of seeking to sway the outcome by applying economic and diplomatic pressure on Pashinyan's government. After results favored Pashinyan, Russia condemned the outcome, alleging the vote was influenced by Western interference.
Earlier on June 12, Armenia's Central Election Commission declared results from two polling stations invalid due to a heavy concentration of military personnel at those sites after polls closed. Opposition groups also complained about a series of pre-election arrests targeting parliamentary candidates and their supporters.
International election observers noted that despite allegations of vote buying and other electoral violations, voting proceeded smoothly at most polling stations.
Analysts also accused Russia of conducting online disinformation campaigns and spreading pro-Kremlin narratives that described cooperation with the West as dangerous.
Russia maintains a military base in this Caucasus country and is one of Armenia's top trading partners. Although Armenia froze its participation in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in 2024, it has retained membership in the economic bloc as Prime Minister Pashinyan seeks to maintain pragmatic ties with its larger neighbor. The Kremlin has warned that Armenia cannot be part of both the European Union (EU) and the EAEU.
Ahead of the vote, Russia's agricultural watchdog suspended imports of seafood from Armenia — a key sector of the economy, as 30% of Armenia's exports go to Russia. Bans were also imposed on flowers, mineral water and wine from Armenia. This is seen as a common trade tactic Moscow employs against discontented former Soviet states. The EU has accused Russia of seeking to paralyze Armenia's economy to influence the election outcome.
The Election Commission is expected to announce official results on June 15.
