Diaspora rep to Georgian Armenians: Bribery covers any incentives that sway voters

A Georgian public figure representing the Armenian diaspora in Georgia has warned ethnic Armenians in the country against travelling to Armenia to participate in the June 7 elections in exchange for inducements, saying such activity could constitute a criminal offence.

Giorgi Tumasyan said individuals who are persuaded to travel to Armenia and vote for specific political forces could be implicated in what Armenian law defines as “electoral bribery”, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

He cautioned that offering or receiving electoral incentives carries serious legal consequences in Armenia, including prison sentences of up to seven years. Intermediaries facilitating such arrangements could face up to five years in prison.

Tumasyan noted that electoral bribery may encompass not only cash payments but also any form of benefit intended to influence voting behaviour.

“If you think the Armenian state will not find out about this, you are very much mistaken,” he said, urging caution among members of the diaspora.

Armenia is preparing for parliamentary elections on June 7, 2026, when voters will elect all 101 members of the National Assembly under a proportional system with a 4 % party threshold and higher thresholds for blocs.

Incumbent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has been officially nominated as the ruling Civil Contract party’s candidate, positioning his government to retain leadership.

Opinion polls suggest Civil Contract is likely to secure a relative majority but may fall short of an absolute one, with opposition forces like Strong Armenia and others competing for seats.

Authorities and international partners are emphasising electoral integrity, including risk management and transparency measures amid concerns about political polarisation and information manipulation

By Aghakazim Guliyev