Voting began across Armenia on June 7 in parliamentary elections, with the final pre-election poll indicating a lead for the ruling Civil Contract party amid renewed concerns over alleged foreign interference.

The Central Election Commission said 2,005 polling stations opened at 08.00 local time, as more than 2.5mn registered voters are eligible to elect a new National Assembly. Armenian citizens abroad are largely excluded from voting, except for diplomatic staff and certain military personnel.

The race pits 16 parties and two blocs against each other in a proportional system that will determine the composition of at least 101 parliamentary seats, with the potential for additional mandates depending on coalition formation rules.

Key contenders include Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party, the Strong Armenia bloc led by Samvel Karapetyan, and the Armenia bloc associated with former president Robert Kocharyan. Other parties on the ballot include Gagik Tsarukyan’s Prosperous Armenia party and smaller reformist and nationalist groups.

The campaign has unfolded against repeated allegations from Armenian officials of attempted foreign interference in domestic politics, including disinformation activity linked to Russia, though Moscow has denied such claims.

Ahead of the vote, Moscow also restricted imports of Armenian products including certain fruits and vegetables, and beverages including Jermek mineral water. Along with fellow Eurasian Economic Union (EEAU) members, Russia warmed that Pashinyan’s ambitions to eventually bring Armenia into the EU are not compatible with EEAU membership and urged Armenia to call a referendum on the issue. 

Election authorities have said they are monitoring online influence operations, but as of the morning of June 7 had not reported systemic breaches as of polling day.

A Gallup International Association survey published shortly ahead of the vote suggested Civil Contract leading with 32.4% support, followed by Strong Armenia at 16.4% and the Armenia bloc at 15.2%. The poll of 1,104 respondents conducted on June 2–3 also showed Prosperous Armenia at 8.8% and smaller parties trailing in single digits. According to the survey, 4.2% of respondents declined to answer and 2.1% were undecided. 

Under Armenia’s electoral system, parties must cross thresholds of 4% for single parties and up to 10% for larger blocs to enter parliament. At least three political forces are guaranteed representation, and coalition-building rules may trigger a second round if no stable majority emerges.

The next government will require at least 51 seats in the National Assembly to elect a prime minister, while constitutional legislation demands a three-fifths majority of 61 votes, with more stringent changes requiring two-thirds support.

The CEC will begin releasing preliminary turnout data throughout the day, with polling closing at 20.00 local time and counting starting immediately afterward. Initial results by polling station are expected from June 8. Election observers from the OSCE, the European Parliament, the CIS and other organisations are monitoring the vote.