Armenia debates new residency-based voting eligibility rules

Authorities in Armenia are considering introducing a residency-based requirement that would limit citizens’ ability to participate in elections depending on how long they have lived in the country.

The proposal was discussed with journalists by Vahagn Aleksanyan, spokesperson for the ruling Civil Contract party and a member of parliament, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

“This concerns the introduction of a residency qualification. But let me not go into details, because discussions are ongoing and there are different opinions. But such an idea exists — to link the right to participate in elections to how long a person has lived in Armenia,” Aleksanyan said.

He added that discussions are ongoing and no final decision has been made regarding specific thresholds or eligibility criteria.

When asked whether a minimum six-month residency requirement was under consideration, Aleksanyan said the matter remains open alongside other possible options currently being debated.

Parliamentary elections in Armenia were held on June 7, 2026. According to official results, three political forces entered the National Assembly: the Civil Contract party secured 49.7456% of the vote (726,819 votes), the Strong Armenia bloc received 23.2710% (340,060 votes), and the Armenia bloc received 9.9231% (144,983 votes).

In the newly formed parliament, Civil Contract holds 64 seats, the Strong Armenia bloc has 29, and the Armenia bloc has 12. As a result, the ruling party maintains a parliamentary majority but falls short of the constitutional majority required to amend the country’s basic law unilaterally.

By Vafa Guliyeva