Armenian PM launches election prep, orders rapid setup of ruling party offices

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has ordered the accelerated formation of the headquarters of the ruling Civil Contract party to ensure they are ready by March 1.

The party’s territorial structures are showing high levels of activity, with headquarters being set up, rented, staffed, and organised at an accelerated pace, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Yerevan-based newspaper Zhoghovurd.

The newspaper reports that Armenia’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, David Khudatyan, is focusing on the headquarters’ development, putting aside some of his official duties. Sources note that he is personally involved in coordinating the construction.

Armenia is preparing for its parliamentary elections, scheduled to take place on June 7, 2026, when all 101 seats in the National Assembly will be contested under a proportional representation system.

The elections are shaping up to be one of the most significant political events in Armenia in recent years, occurring amid intensifying domestic political tensions and heightened external pressures.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has framed the elections as a choice between maintaining peace and facing uncertainty, underlining the importance of stability following years of regional conflict. 

Political competition is intensifying. Opposition forces, including former President Robert Kocharyan’s “Hayastan” bloc, are discussing how they will participate in the elections, including whether to form large pre‑election blocs to consolidate support.

Other parties, such as the “Hanrapetutyun” Party, have already confirmed their participation and begun organisational work, Armenian media reports say. Separately, party officials have ruled out participation of some groups as part of electoral coalitions, emphasising plans to compete independently.

By Khagan Isayev