In the parliamentary election held in Armenia on June 7, the Civil Contract Party led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is reported to be in the lead. Voting began in the morning on election day, with initial results expected by the end of the day.
Ruling Party Led in Polls
Pre-election polls indicated support for the Civil Contract Party reaching up to 32%. In the same surveys, Russia-backed opposition forces, particularly the Strong Armenia Party, trailed behind with around 11% support.
This scenario revealed a clear advantage for Pashinyan's party in the election race. However, it was emphasized that the exact distribution would be clarified with the first results announced after the polls closed.
Critical Outcome for the Peace Process
A strong result for Pashinyan could strengthen his position in peace talks with Azerbaijan. Armenia and Azerbaijan have experienced intermittent conflicts since the late 1980s, and the search for a lasting agreement has long been central to the regional agenda.
The report noted that a strong election outcome could grant Pashinyan the mandate to complete peace negotiations with Azerbaijan. At the same time, this result could also be significant for normalizing relations with Turkey, one of Baku's key allies.
Majority Needed for Constitutional Amendment
Pashinyan needs a two-thirds majority in parliament to call a referendum on constitutional changes. This is one of the key conditions Azerbaijan has set before a final peace agreement.
If the ruling party fails to secure the required number of seats, the reconciliation process with Baku could become more difficult, potentially slowing the peace process. Therefore, the election is closely watched not only for domestic politics but also for the balance of power in the South Caucasus.
European Union Also Monitoring the Outcome
The election is also being closely followed by the European Union. After Georgia's recent drift away from the Western line, the EU is seeking a new partner in the South Caucasus.
Within this context, the election results in Armenia are seen as a development that could affect not only Pashinyan's political future but also the diplomatic orientations in the region.