Armenian opposition candidate denies vote-buying allegations

Opposition parliamentary candidate Davit Ghazinyan on Wednesday denied allegations of involvement in a vote-buying scheme, describing the criminal case against him as politically motivated and emblematic of the authorities’ fears ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary elections held on June 7.

Speaking to reporters outside the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) before a closed-door meeting, Ghazinyan, a candidate on the opposition Strong Armenia alliance ticket, said he expected the commission to approve a request by prosecutors to strip him of parliamentary candidate immunity and allow his detention.

“This case is about the government’s fears,” Ghazinyan said. “I assume I will be arrested. I expect no legal fairness from anyone, especially from this ‘independent’ body.”

The CEC convened to consider motions submitted by the Prosecutor General’s Office seeking authorization to prosecute Ghazinyan and place him in custody. Under Armenian law, parliamentary candidates enjoy certain legal protections during the election period that require electoral commission approval before prosecution can proceed.

Ghazinyan argued that the proceedings were aimed at suppressing his political activity and undermining the Strong Armenia alliance. He urged supporters who voted for the bloc to remain steadfast and loyal to their electoral choice, expressing confidence that the opposition would ultimately prevail.

Journalists questioned Ghazinyan about an audio recording released by the Anti-Corruption Committee in which a speaker allegedly claims that “Ghazinyan Davo” provided 1.4 million drams (approximately $3,600) to an individual identified as Arman.

Ghazinyan categorically rejected the allegation.

“I have not given any money to anyone,” he said. “As for the recording, the whole thing is absurd. There is no such amount of money involved.”

Earlier, Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee announced that investigators had obtained evidence indicating that individuals appointed to oversee the Strong Armenia party’s Arabkir district office in Yerevan, together with parliamentary candidate Davit Ghazinyan and a group of party supporters, had allegedly conspired to promise and distribute bribes to voters.

The committee said a criminal investigation had been launched, several individuals had been detained, and searches and other procedural actions had been carried out as part of the inquiry.

The hearing was conducted behind closed doors.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has also submitted motions seeking authorization to prosecute and detain several other opposition candidates, including Ashot Yeghiazaryan of the Strong Armenia alliance, Ruslan Barseghyan of the Hayastan (Armenia) alliance, Hayastan leader and former President Robert Kocharyan and Asatur Kocharyan, a candidate affiliated with the alliance.

The CEC is scheduled to hear the motions concerning Robert Kocharyan at 3 p.m. local time.