Armenia blocks overseas voting stations for upcoming parliamentary election

Citizens of Armenia permanently residing abroad will be able to participate in parliamentary elections only by physically travelling to the country, the press secretary of Armenia’s Central Electoral Commission (CEC), Seda Ghukasyan, told TASS.

She said that following amendments to the Electoral Code in 2012, polling stations are no longer opened in Armenian diplomatic missions abroad.

“No polling stations are opened in Armenia’s diplomatic institutions abroad for voting. An Armenian citizen can exercise their vote only by physically being present in Armenia, in accordance with the country’s current legislation,” the CEC representative said.

At the same time, exceptions apply to Armenian citizens serving in diplomatic missions, military personnel on long-term foreign assignments or studies, as well as their family members with voting rights. For them, electronic voting is available.

The next parliamentary elections in Armenia are scheduled for June 7. Nineteen political forces have registered to participate, including 17 parties and two blocs.

Among the participants are the Civil Contract party led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenia bloc led by former President Robert Kocharyan, and the Strong Armenia bloc led by Narek Karapetyan, which includes the “Strong Armenia,” “New Era,” and “ The United Armenians” parties.

By Jeyhun Aghazada