Sargsyan claims unprecedented state interference in elections

Former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on Sunday accused the government of unprecedented interference in Armenia’s parliamentary elections, saying he had never witnessed such extensive state involvement in an electoral campaign.

Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot, Sargsyan, chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), said at least four of the parties and alliances running for seats in the National Assembly were genuinely seeking to unseat Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

He alleged that electoral violations and the use of administrative resources had reached unprecedented levels.

“I have taken part in more than 10 election campaigns, and I can say with confidence that I have never seen such a level of state interference in the electoral process,” Sargsyan said. “I have never witnessed a campaign like this.”

Asked about assessments by international organizations and election observers, Sargsyan said he did not expect a meaningful response to any irregularities.

“There is no reason to expect any reaction from them,” he said. “Their eyes are closed at the moment.”

Sargsyan also addressed the arrest of RPA member Arman Sahakyan and reports that Sahakyan had mentioned him in a recording linked to an alleged vote-buying case.

“I am not aware of that,” Sargsyan said. “Arman Sahakyan may mention my name because he is one of the most active members of our party and its board member. It remains to be seen whether he was actually involved in vote-buying or whether this is yet another fabricated case.”