Armenia investigates another round of pre-election bribery claims VIDEO

Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee has reported new cases of alleged vote-buying during the lead-up to the June 7 parliamentary elections, including detentions and the opening of a criminal investigation.

According to the statement, investigators obtained factual data indicating that several residents of the Ararat region demanded pre-election bribes from representatives of the “Strong Armenia” office in the Masis community in exchange for voting in their favour and mobilising supporters.

The Anti-Corruption Committee said a criminal case has been initiated in connection with the incident, several individuals have been detained, and procedural actions are ongoing.

Armenia held regular parliamentary elections on June 7, 2026, to choose the 9th convocation of the National Assembly, marking the first scheduled (non-snap) parliamentary vote since 2017 after snap elections in 2018 and 2021 triggered by political crises.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract secured roughly 49.8–49.9% of the vote, winning a parliamentary majority of about 64 seats. The result came despite reported Russian pressure and a strong performance by pro-Russian opposition groups, including Strong Armenia with around 23% support.

By Jeyhun Aghazada