Armenian opposition alleges uneven playing field ahead of elections

Armenian opposition lawmakers accused the authorities of creating an uneven playing field in the run-up to parliamentary elections, alleging surveillance of their supporters and preferential treatment for the ruling Civil Contract party.

Speaking at a parliament session on Wednesday, Taguhi Tovmasyan of the opposition Pativ Unem faction said civil society groups had already documented irregularities during the campaign period. She cited difficulties in renting venues for opposition rallies and noted that one of the leading opposition figures remains in detention, limiting his ability to compete on equal terms.

Tovmasyan claimed that supporters and staff of non-government parties were subject to “total surveillance” and legal harassment, while government ministers and ruling party officials toured the provinces in buses, making promises and presenting state-funded projects as campaign achievements. “This does not reflect a competitive electoral process,” she said, addressing Central Electoral Commission (CEC) Chairman Vahagn Hovakimyan.

Hovakimyan rejected the allegations, saying the commission had not received any formal complaints from political forces about restrictions on their rights.

“The current pre-election situation in Armenia reflects a normal democratic process,” Hovakimyan said. “I have no evidence of any extraordinary developments during this period.”