Voting in Parliamentary elections concludes in Armenia
Yerevan, June 7
Voting in Armenia's Parliamentary elections concluded on Sunday with precinct commission members beginning the vote count, local media reported.
The election's first results are expected to be released by Sunday midnight (local time), Russia's state-owned Tass media reported.
Voting began on Sunday in Armenia's Parliamentary elections, with more than 2.48 million registered voters eligible to cast ballots at 2,005 polling stations across the country.
Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. local time and closed at 8 p.m. local time on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.
According to the Central Electoral Commission, 18 parties and alliances, fielding nearly 2,000 candidates, are competing for seats in the National Assembly, Armenia's unicameral legislative body.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan casts his ballot at a polling station in Yerevan, Armenia.
Pashinyan has been in power since May 2018 with the Civil Contract Party.
The elections are considered critical with the ongoing geopolitical tensions regarding Armenia's consideration for joining the European Union (EU).
Last month, the Presidents of Belarus (Alexander Lukashenko), Kazakhstan (Kassym-Jomart Tokayev), Kyrgyzstan (Sadyr Japarov) and Russia (Vladimir Piutin) said that Armenia should hold a nationwide referendum as soon as possible on whether to join the EU or remain in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Armenia's preparations for joining the EU pose "significant risks to the economic security" of EAEU member states, the leaders said in a joint statement published by the Kremlin.
The four leaders noted the need to prevent the associated damage to the bloc's members, adding that the representatives in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council would present a report in December 2026 on the possible consequences of suspending the EAEU treaty for Armenia.
In early May, Armenia and the EU signed a connectivity partnership deal and pledged to strengthen economic and security cooperation at their first-ever summit held in the Armenian capital, Yerevan.
The partnership covers transport, energy and digital infrastructure and aligns with the EU's Cross-Regional Connectivity Agenda and Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" initiative.
Aimed at regional economic integration, the EAEU was founded by Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia in May 2014 and joined by Armenia and Kyrgyzstan in 2015.
US President Donald Trump endorsed Pashinyan for the elections, calling him "a great friend and leader".
— IANS
Reader Comments
Armenia ki situation dekh ke lagta hai democracy is never easy. They've been through so much political turmoil. Hope this election brings stability for the Armenian people. 🙏
The EAEU vs EU dilemma for Armenia is complicated. As Indians we understand foreign policy nuances - cannot just abandon one alliance for another without consequences. The 2026 report from EAEU shows they mean business.
Trump endorsing Pashinyan - kya baat hai! American presidents always meddling in other countries' elections. India should learn to maintain strategic autonomy like we do. Let Armenians decide their own future.
2,000 candidates for just 18 parties? That's intense competition. Makes our Indian elections look organized in comparison! But seriously, hope the Armenian people get good governance out of this. Democracy ka raasta aasan nahi hai.
The "Crossroads of Peace" initiative sounds like a good idea but Armenia needs to be careful. EU partnership is tempting but burning bridges with Russia and EAEU neighbors could backfire. Look what happened to Ukraine.
2.48 million voters - that's less than many Indian states. Yet such big geopolitical implications. Reminds me how every election matters, big
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