Russia alleges Western interference, opposition pressure during Armenia elections

The parliamentary elections in Armenia took place amid what Russia described as unprecedented pressure on the opposition and interference from Western countries, according to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

Zakharova said that the vote on June 7 was held under conditions of what she called strong external influence, primarily from the European Union. She stated that preliminary results indicated that the ruling “Civil Contract” party, while declaring victory, had not secured a monopoly on power and had seen a decline in support compared to the previous election cycle, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

She further claimed that the election campaign and voting process occurred amid harsh repression of opposition groups, their activists, and supporters by the Armenian authorities. Zakharova also alleged that the Armenian Apostolic Church, widely respected in the country, had been affected by what she described as a crackdown. She argued that these developments represented a violation of democratic principles and free election procedures.

According to Zakharova, the actions taken in Armenia were primarily directed against political forces advocating closer ties with Russia, continued participation in Eurasian integration structures such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and opposition to Armenia’s path toward European Union membership.

She said Moscow remained interested in a strong and sovereign Armenia and described the Armenian people as close to Russia, adding that Russia wished Armenia peace and prosperity. However, she also stated that the elections demonstrated a high level of political polarization in Armenian society and warned that unilateral decisions on the country’s development path could deepen internal divisions and social and economic tensions.

Zakharova added that Russia’s future approach to relations with Armenia would depend on the practical steps taken by the Armenian leadership going forward.

By Sabina Mammadli