Zartonk Christian Party to sit out June parliamentary elections

Armenia’s Zartonk National Christian Party said on Saturday it will not contest the June 7 parliamentary elections, citing the current political climate and the alignment of opposition forces.

In a statement, the party accused the ruling Civil Contract party of pursuing “anti‑national and anti‑state policies” that it said had undermined Armenia’s sovereignty and heightened the risk of renewed conflict with Azerbaijan. Zartonk also criticized the government’s handling of negotiations, alleging “humiliating concessions” that emboldened adversaries.

The party further condemned what it described as unconstitutional interference in the internal affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Zartonk urged its supporters to refrain from voting for Civil Contract or affiliated groups, and instead back opposition forces committed to safeguarding Armenia’s statehood, restoring the rights of Artsakh Armenians, supporting international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, strengthening the military, protecting national values, and tackling corruption.

The party said Armenia’s security and development must be rooted in Christian values and moral principles.