Armenia Holds Parliamentary Elections

Armenian voters went to the polls Sunday in parliamentary elections that will shape the country’s foreign policy direction. The vote tests support for deeper engagement with the European Union and the United States against calls to preserve traditional security links with Russia.

Background to the Vote Relations with Moscow worsened after Azerbaijan gained control of the Karabakh region in 2023. Armenian authorities said Russian peacekeepers did not intervene, while Moscow stated its forces lacked authority to act. Pashinyan joined the International Criminal Court in 2023 and suspended Armenia’s role in the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization in 2024.

The government also announced plans to pursue European Union membership and hosted the European Political Community summit in Yerevan in early May.

Western Engagement In August, U.S.

President Donald Trump hosted Pashinyan and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev to sign an agreement ending decades of conflict and establishing a new transit corridor. A separate February accord could allow a U.S. company to build a nuclear reactor in Armenia.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that Europe is prepared to invest in Armenia’s energy sector and digital economy.

Much of the opposition continues to favor stronger ties with Russia and opposes normalizing relations with Azerbaijan. Nineteen political forces, including two blocs and 17 parties, are contesting the election.

““These are the first elections in Armenia’s history where geopolitical orientation has become a decisive issue.””