Armenia's government accused of redrawing local map ahead of elections

Armenia’s government has launched a new round of municipal mergers that opposition figures say are aimed at boosting the ruling Civil Contract party’s electoral chances ahead of the June parliamentary elections.

Under a draft plan, 80 settlements would be consolidated into three large municipalities in Lori, Syunik and Vayots Dzor Provinces. The changes are expected to take effect shortly before the next national vote.

The government says the reform will improve administrative efficiency, but critics argue the timing and design point to political motives. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had opposed such consolidation when he was in opposition, warning it would accelerate rural decline.

One contentious case is Tatev in southern Syunik, currently led by an opposition-backed mayor, which is set to merge with neighbouring Goris and Tegh, both governed by the Civil Contract party. Opponents say the move could dilute local opposition support.

“This process is purely political,” Shahen Harutyunyan, founder of the nationalist Shant Alliance, told Panorama.am. “Redrawing the map before elections is about retention of power.”

Similar concerns have been voiced in Vayots Dzor, where Yeghegnadzor, run by an opposition coalition  is to be merged with two pro-government communities.

“Consolidation is not inherently bad, but when there is no clear justification, political intent is obvious,” Suren Surenyants, the leader of the Democratic Alternative party, said, warning that repeated changes undermine local governance.

The government denies electoral motives, but critics say the mergers amount to a redistribution of administrative power designed to weaken opposition strongholds ahead of the vote.