Hraparak: Armenian ruling party tests MPs’ loyalty to Pashinyan before elections

Armenia’s ruling party, Civil Contract (CC), is conducting candidate selection for parliamentary elections, reportedly seeking loyalty oaths to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during interviews.

The pre-election process has reached the stage of “exams.” Before registering 380 candidates for parliament, the CC leadership is assessing each individual’s potential, whether they should be included on the party list, and in what position, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian newspaper Hraparak.

The first interviews were held recently. Ordinary party members and passive MPs were asked about their motivations for entering parliament, what changes they plan to bring, and similar topics.

“Most notable was the ‘exam’ for sitting MPs. Before seeking a second term, they were questioned about their stance on processes involving the Church and whether they attend Pashinyan’s liturgies,” the newspaper wrote.

According to the paper, sitting MPs were asked questions as if they were being introduced for the first time, and loyalty oaths were required to ensure no one later claims to disagree with the party’s course.

Hraparak noted that it tried to speak with MPs on this matter, but they were reluctant to comment.

Parliamentary elections in Armenia are scheduled for the summer of 2026.

By Khagan Isayev