Armenia opposition candidate alleges intimidation ahead of elections

Armenian opposition candidate Arman Tatoyan has accused Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s allies of attempting to intimidate voters in the run-up to parliamentary elections scheduled for 7 June.

Tatoyan, who is the prime ministerial candidate of the Wings of Unity alliance, posted a video on social media on Thursday, claiming that citizens are receiving daily reports of pressure from individuals he described as “Pashinyan’s bashibozuks".

According to Tatoyan, groups of so-called “water inspectors” have been visiting homes with voter lists, questioning residents about their political preferences. He claimed those who indicate they will not support the ruling party are marked in a way meant to instill fear. The visitors then deliver pro-government messages before leaving.

Tatoyan also alleged that people have been receiving threatening phone calls at workplaces and universities, warning them against supporting opposition candidates.

“Nikol, who do you think you are, trying to intimidate people?” he said in the video.