Think-tank chief: Elections in Armenia are of interest to Azerbaijan

Parliamentary elections scheduled in Armenia for the summer of 2026 are attracting attention in Azerbaijan, the Chair of the Centre of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Centre) has said.

Farid Shafiyev made the remarks while presenting the organisation’s annual report, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“This event is of interest to us. We anticipate certain steps will be taken. Negotiations between our countries, mediated by the United States, are particularly important,” Shafiyev said.

He also highlighted the significance of the Strategic Partnership Charter with the US and the 907th amendment, describing them as key issues for Azerbaijan.

Shafiyev expressed hope for a “new phase” in Azerbaijan’s relations with the European Union (EU), while noting occasional challenges. “An example of this is the inclusion of anti-Azerbaijani statements in a document signed between Armenia and the EU,” he added.

Armenia is preparing for parliamentary elections on June 7, 2026, within the constitutional period of June 2–12 . The ruling Civil Contract party, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, has begun shaping its pre‑election list. Pashinyan has stated he intends to run as the party’s leading candidate for prime minister. 

Reports indicate controversial figures, including non‑partisan MP Andranik Kocharyan and Sasun Mikayelyan — described in Armenian press as linked to the Yerkrapah veterans’ organisation — have been included in Civil Contract’s list. Several weeks of local reports also suggest Prime Minister Pashinyan’s wife, Anna Hakobyan, has been influential in shaping the party’s list of loyalists. 

Among opposition contenders, the Armenian National Congress (ANC) has nominated Levon Zourabian as its candidate for prime minister and will contest the elections independently, while remaining open to cooperation with other political forces.

Other figures expected to be active include former president Robert Kocharyan’s faction, with discussions of leading candidates on its list reported in the media.

By Aghakazim Guliyev