Armenian opposition party rejects election results as illegitimate

An Armenian opposition party on Wednesday rejected the results of the country’s parliamentary elections, alleging that the vote was marred by intimidation, misuse of state resources and media bias.

“The June 7 election did not reflect the will of the people,” the Country to Live party said in a statement. “Under free and fair conditions, the ruling party would not have been able to secure a majority of mandates.”

The party accused the authorities of pressuring voters with threats of job loss, arrest and other reprisals, particularly targeting those connected to opposition activities. “Citizens were forced to choose the ruling party to avoid personal, financial, social, and psychological problems,” the statement read.

Opposition candidates and campaign staff were reportedly subjected to arbitrary detentions and lengthy interrogations aimed at sidelining them from the race. The party also charged that the Public TV carried out “systematic negative coverage” against opposition groups, echoing pro-government media narratives, while officials continued to wield influence despite being formally on leave.

On election day, ruling party representatives “exerted pressure at polling stations and nearby areas,” the party claimed, undermining voters’ freedom of choice. While the mechanics of voting were largely conducted within the law, the opposition argued that at least 130,000 ballots cast for the ruling party were coerced.

International observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) documented some of the violations, the statement added.