ANC to run in 2026 elections, nominate Levon Zurabyan for PM

The Armenian National Congress (ANC) will run in the upcoming parliamentary elections and nominate Levon Zurabyan, deputy chairman of the party’s board, as its candidate for prime minister, a senior party official said.

ANC Board member Aram Manukyan said on Friday both the party’s Republican Council and executive body unanimously approved the decision.

“I want to inform you that both the Republican Council and the party’s executive body have unanimously decided to participate in the upcoming elections and to nominate Levon Zurabyan as our candidate for prime minister,” Manukyan told reporters.

He said the party views participation in the elections as critically important, arguing they go beyond the routine goal of entering parliament.

“These are not ordinary elections. This is not simply about getting into parliament,” he said. “We believe our country is in a dangerous phase of losing its sovereignty and statehood. At this stage, all those who pursue only the goal of entering parliament are effectively serving the authorities’ agenda.”

He said the ANC’s objective is broader and more urgent, adding that the party is entering the campaign to form a broad alliance capable of preventing the country’s political and state collapse.

“The preservation of our statehood is a thousand times more important than winning parliament seats. It is our overriding priority,” Manukyan said, noting the party intends to seek a coalition with other political forces and individuals.

Manukyan also said recent elections show the ruling party has only about 10% public support, adding that failing to defeat them would be “a disgrace".