Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party led by Nikol Pashinyan won the parliamentary elections with about 49.8% of the vote, prompting claims of democratic progress and economic growth from the government, alongside domestic and international reactions ranging from congratulations to allegations of irregularities and geopolitical rivalry narratives.

Election Results

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his ruling Civil Contract party secured victory, receiving approximately 49.8% of the vote, according to official results released by the Central Electoral Commission. The result allows Civil Contract to continue leading the government. 

The main opposition force, the Strong Armenia alliance led by businessman Samvel Karapetyan, emerged as the second-largest political bloc with around 23% of the vote. However, opposition groups challenged the legitimacy of the process and accused the authorities of suppressing dissent during the campaign. 

Pashinyan's Speech

On June 8, Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian Prime Minister congratulated the people of Armenia on the results of the parliamentary elections held on June 7, emphasizing that citizens had "won through their vote" by defending statehood, independence, the future, peace, and the Republic of Armenia itself. Pashinyan stated that, through their vote, the people had clearly expressed their position, and he claimed that what he referred to as the "three-headed party of war" had been defeated. He emphasized that this outcome was important but not final, adding that the public had also sent a message that both that political force and what he described as a "criminal-oligarchic system" must be eradicated from Armenia through decisive political action. He also congratulated the Civil Contract party, stating that it would form a parliamentary majority and the government, and noted that detailed political discussions on this would follow in the coming months.

Turning to the budget report, Pashinyan stated that Armenia’s 2025 state budget revenues amounted to 2 trillion 886.5 billion drams, which represented a 307 billion dram increase compared to 2024 and a 2.3-fold increase compared to 2017. He emphasized that this indicated a doubling of revenues in real terms over the period. He further stated that budget expenditures reached 3 trillion 305 billion drams, also more than doubling compared to 2017, with capital expenditures increasing significantly to 464.2 billion drams—around 2.9 times higher than earlier benchmarks. He stressed that the rise in capital spending reflected visible development projects being implemented across the country. Pashinyan highlighted that, as a result of sustained economic growth, the level of capital expenditures in economic and social sectors in 2025 had increased by 3.5 times compared to 2018. He also pointed to continued implementation of the "300 schools and 500 kindergartens" program, stating that 374 schools were currently under construction and that the goal remained to complete 300 schools by 2026 before launching a new phase of the program. He added that more than 1.2 billion US dollars had already been allocated to school construction since 2021 and confirmed that the kindergarten program was also progressing successfully, improving access to early education.

Addressing infrastructure, Pashinyan stated that 500 kilometers of roads had been completed in 2025 and noted the operational launch of the Ashtarak–Gyumri section of the North–South highway, describing it as a major milestone in national connectivity. He further emphasized the significance of the August 8 developments in Washington, stating that Armenia and Azerbaijan had reached a preliminary peace agreement framework and adopted a declaration signed in the presence of US President Donald Trump. He said Armenia’s task now was to institutionalize the peace agreement, adding that this process was already underway. Pashinyan also stated that the Armenia–US TRIPP agreement on high technology and artificial intelligence had been signed and was being implemented. He highlighted the establishment of an artificial intelligence center at Yerevan State University, the purchase of a supercomputer, and the opening of AI-related facilities in Gegharkunik and Hrazdan as evidence of technological transformation. He stated that these developments would strengthen Armenia’s international investment attractiveness and support long-term economic growth, which he projected at around 6% annually. He added that such growth would ensure successful implementation of ongoing social reforms.

Reviewing recent years, Pashinyan noted that since 2021 the government had provided more than 3.4 billion US dollars in various support programs, including mortgage tax refund schemes, agricultural subsidies, and economic modernization initiatives. He stated that per capita GDP had more than doubled compared to 2017 levels. He emphasized that Armenia had exceeded its economic growth targets, noting an average growth rate of 7.9% between 2021 and 2026, higher than the 7% target set in the government’s program. Pashinyan also stated that Armenia now had a "new army," referring both to modernization of equipment and the development of a domestic military-industrial complex. He noted that around 170 billion drams had been invested in defense industry since 2022, with initial exports and international contracts already signed. He highlighted the "Defender of the Homeland" program, stating that it converted conscripts into professional contract soldiers with higher salaries and additional benefits, including a 5 million dram payment after five years of service. He also noted a new housing certificate program for graduates of the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy. He emphasized that government policies were increasingly multi-purpose, combining security, economic, and social objectives, and stated that reforms in areas such as cashless payments and education had both economic and governance impacts.

On foreign policy, Pashinyan stated that visa liberalization with the European Union was progressing and expressed confidence that it would be successfully completed. He also highlighted reforms in teacher certification, noting plans for increased salaries following repeated attestation cycles. He further referred to social programs, including support for families with multiple children, maternity benefits, and housing assistance in border communities, stating that these initiatives had been significantly expanded in recent years. Pashinyan noted that the program for housing displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh, an unrecognized region, was underway, with approximately 40,000 individuals already granted citizenship and around 50 billion drams allocated for housing support. 

He concluded by stressing improvements in tax discipline and reduction of the shadow economy, stating that Armenia had recovered significant financial resources since 2018. He asserted that the country had become "a completely different state" compared to 2018, describing it as more independent, sovereign, secure, democratic, and prosperous.

Mirzoyan Congratulates People

On June 8, Ararat Mirzoyan, the Armenian Foreign Minister, stated that he congratulates the citizens of Armenia on what he described as another round of democratic, free, fair, and transparent elections held in the country, adding that the process met high international standards. Mirzoyan emphasized that, according to various observer organizations and preliminary assessments by officials from different states, the electoral process in Armenia confirms the consolidation of democratic practices. He stated that the period of rigged elections, pseudo-democracy, and authoritarian rule in Armenia has ended. "The chapter of democracy and democratic elections in Armenia has been firmly established," he said. He further thanked Armenian citizens for once again entrusting governance to the "Civil Contract" party, noting that it has secured the opportunity to form a government for the third consecutive time. Mirzoyan stated that the party would continue to serve the interests of the state and fulfill its commitments to the public, expressing gratitude for the mandate of trust.

Mirzoyan also confirmed that Armenia did not pay its membership fee to the CSTO in 2025. He explained: "We did not pay the membership fee for a simple reason: the fact is that we simply did not participate in the organization."

Reactions from Russia

Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, stated that the elections in Armenia were held under what she described as unprecedented pressure on the opposition and external interference from Western countries. She added that Russia would form its approach toward Armenia based on the concrete actions taken by the Armenian leadership going forward. Zakharova noted that support for the ruling "Civil Contract" party reportedly declined after the vote and argued that the results reflected a deeply polarized Armenian society. In her view, there is a strong and widespread public interest in maintaining close ties with Russia and continuing Armenia’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). She also emphasized that Russia considers the Armenian people a fraternal nation and wishes them peace and prosperity.

Dmitry Peskov, the Russian Presidential Spokesman, stated that the Kremlin is awaiting the official final results of the Armenian elections while closely monitoring reports related to the voting process. He said: "We are awaiting these final results. In the meantime, we are carefully noting all reports emerging around these elections," including allegations concerning multiple violations during the electoral process.

Lyudmila Markina, a member of the Russian Central Election Commission and part of the CIS observer mission, stated that a group of unidentified individuals attempted to force election observers in Armenia’s Armavir region to destroy a report documenting irregularities at a polling station. Markina said that the incident occurred after observers at polling station 16/25 recorded a report noting certain shortcomings during their monitoring activity. According to her, once members of the precinct election commission noticed the documentation being completed, they formed what she described as a "human wall" around the observers and demanded that the report be destroyed. She emphasized that the CIS observers refused to comply, stating that they were acting strictly within the framework of their mandate and official responsibilities. Markina added that the situation created tension at the site and expressed regret that law enforcement officers present at the polling station did not intervene. "It was simply a highly unpleasant situation where people—without identification badges—crowded around them in an organized manner," Markina said, noting that the group’s behavior raised concern among the observers. She further explained that minor issues had been identified at the polling station and brought to the attention of election commission members before the escalation occurred. Markina stated that although the situation was eventually resolved, it caused concern within the observer mission, particularly given that some members were women and the incident took place in a remote area of the Armavir region.

Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs and leader of the LDPR, stated that the results of the parliamentary elections in Armenia raise concerns about the freedom of expression of the popular will and contribute to a deeper division within Armenian society. Slutsky argued that the victory of Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, and his "Civil Contract" party took place in a context marked by restrictions on voting abroad, pressure on opposition forces, and what he described as media censorship and control. He stated that these factors, in his view, cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral outcome, saying that describing the results as "contrived" would be an understatement. He further emphasized that the elections represented, to a significant extent, a vote on Armenia’s foreign policy orientation, including its relations with the European Union and participation in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Slutsky also noted that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was among the first to congratulate Pashinyan, which he interpreted as evidence of coordinated efforts by what he referred to as "Brussels hawks" to steer Armenia toward a pro-Western trajectory. According to Slutsky, such developments reflect attempts to draw Armenia into what he described as a "Russophobic sphere of development," referencing what he called a modified "Romanian scenario" in the country. He further warned that if Pashinyan pursues an "anti-Russia" policy course, Armenia risks repeating Ukraine’s experience and "stepping on the same rake as Ukraine."

Reactions from EU

On June 8, António Costa, the President of the European Council, stated that he had congratulated Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian Prime Minister on his party’s victory in Armenia’s parliamentary elections, emphasizing that the European Union will continue cooperation with Armenia in the fields of energy, trade, and digitalization. He wrote on X that "our strong partnership is an investment in a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region as a whole."

Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, also congratulated Pashinyan, noting ahead of an informal meeting of EU defense ministers in Nicosia, Cyprus that the election results in Armenia reflect the country’s citizens’ support for closer ties with Europe despite external pressure from Russia. She stated that the European Union will continue supporting Armenia, including through reforms aimed at advancing its development and further rapprochement with European institutions.

Marta Kos, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, announced that she intends to visit Armenia as soon as possible, emphasizing continued EU solidarity with the country. She wrote on X that "I will come to Armenia as soon as possible - Europe’s solidarity with Armenia stands." Kos also confirmed that both sides are launching work within a new EU–Armenia joint working group, which is intended to deepen cooperation between Yerevan and Brussels further.

Reactions from Georgia

On June 7, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister of Georgia stated that he had congratulated Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia on his party’s success in the parliamentary elections, sharing the message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Kobakhidze emphasized Georgia’s readiness to further deepen friendly relations and strengthen cooperation with Armenia. He wrote that: “Heartfelt congratulations to PM Nikol Pashinyan on his party’s success in the elections. Looking forward to continuing our close cooperation to strengthen the strategic partnership and friendly relations between Georgia and Armenia for the prosperity of our nations,” Kobakhidze stated.

On June 8, Grigol Gegelia from "Strong Georgia – Lelo" stated that he congratulates Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, and the Armenian nation on what he described as a convincing victory of national interest, adding that Russia has been "defeated in Romania, Moldova, Hungary, and now also in Armenia." Gegelia stated that no major power or political system can resist the will of people united around national interests. He further declared: "Russia is losing across the entire region and will soon be defeated in Georgia as well through the removal of the shameful pro-Russian regime of the ‘Georgian Dream.’"

He emphasized that developments in Armenia and other countries demonstrate the interdependence of democratic processes in the region. According to him, "Armenia, Romania, Hungary, Moldova — all these examples show that nothing can overcome the overwhelming power of the people," adding that such outcomes cannot be reversed by propaganda, political nihilism, or what he described as systems of lies. Gegelia argued that Armenia’s experience reflects the effectiveness of pragmatic foreign policy, stronger democratic institutions, and election-based governance focused on national interests. While referring to regional comparisons, he stated that under what he called the "anti–Georgian Dream government," Georgia has lost its former regional standing.

He claimed that Yerevan has become the region’s political center, while Tbilisi has been reduced to a peripheral position. Gegelia contrasted diplomatic engagement, saying Armenia has hosted senior US and EU officials, while Georgia, in his words, has hosted figures such as "Gavrilov and Pozner." He also stated that Armenia has advanced in democratic standards, foreign investment attraction, and economic development, while criticizing the current Georgian leadership for damaging strategic projects such as Anaklia. Gegelia further said the country has been reduced to what he described as "a dealer of Arab apartments," calling the situation "one of the lowest and most shameful moments in Georgia’s history."

Concluding his remarks, Gegelia stated that Armenia represents a model of pragmatic foreign policy, peace, and prosperity, and called on Georgian citizens to unite with Hungarians, Armenians, Moldovans, and Romanians in what he described as a broader struggle for national interest and democratic progress.

European Monitoring Missions Highlight Democratic Progress and Persistent Irregularities

On June 8, Farah Karimi, the Special Coordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term election observation mission in Armenia, stated at a press conference held by European monitoring missions that the recent elections in Armenia were generally free, although several reported irregularities raised concerns. Karimi emphasized that the electoral process allowed voters to choose freely among competing political alternatives. She noted, however, that the campaign period was marked by instances of external pressure on voters, as well as a broader environment characterized by harsh political rhetoric. She also referred to reports of vote-buying and other electoral violations. She further stated that some citizens reportedly refrained from attending opposition-related events, while concerns were also raised regarding pressure on public sector employees to participate in rallies organized by the ruling party. Karimi additionally pointed to socio-economic initiatives that, in some cases, were perceived as influencing voter behavior. Among other issues, she highlighted weaknesses in financial oversight, limited access to independent information due to media polarization, the spread of manipulative content, and cases of arrests and detentions, particularly involving opposition figures. Karimi assessed the elections as an important milestone in Armenia’s democratic development amid a complex geopolitical environment. "I can confidently state that the assessments following visits to 1,403 polling stations were quite positive," she said, adding that the mission’s role was to provide an objective evaluation rather than determine political outcomes on behalf of citizens.

Edite Estrela, a representative of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) delegation within the European election observation mission in Armenia, stated that the elections were held amid significant geopolitical tensions and external pressure. Estrela argued that the Russian Federation sought to use "every opportunity" and what she described as its "extensive experience in election interference" to maintain Armenia within its sphere of influence. She also noted references made by Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a potential "Ukrainian scenario" if Armenia continued its European integration path. Despite these concerns, Estrela said she formed a generally positive impression during visits to polling stations, indicating that the voting process itself was largely orderly.

Eurosima Pejović, head of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly delegation, reported that monitoring covered nine regions. She highlighted that the campaign was characterized by polarized rhetoric, external influence, and certain reported irregularities. Pejović emphasized that democratic institutions develop gradually and require ongoing support from the international community. She stated that the purpose of election observation is not to issue political judgments but to provide assistance and share experience in democratic development. "We wish to acknowledge the progress made and encourage [the country] to take pride in its achievements; our observations and recommendations should be viewed as a form of assistance," she said.

Nathalie Loiseau, the head of the European Parliament delegation, stated that the electoral process was generally well organized and proceeded smoothly, though she noted that authorities should have placed greater emphasis on voter information. She pointed to high turnout in Yerevan, Gyumri, and surrounding communities as an indication of public engagement in the democratic process. Loiseau also described the campaign as competitive but polarized, citing concerns related to external interference, cyberattacks, and the spread of disinformation. While she welcomed recent reforms to the Electoral Code and improvements in party financing transparency, she stated that further reforms were still necessary. "Despite the pressure, citizens were able to exercise their right to free expression of will. Democracy also entails accepting the results," Loiseau stated.