Armenian opposition calls for investigation into school officials' role in election campaigning

Irina Yolyan, a parliamentary candidate from the Strong Armenia alliance and former deputy mayor of Goris, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of school administrators whom she accuses of participating in political campaigning during the June 7 parliamentary elections.

In a statement posted on social media on Monday, Yolyan alleged that several school principals openly acted as executors of political directives from the ruling Civil Contract party, engaging in campaign-related activities that, she said, compromised the integrity and independence of educational institutions.

“Alongside the egregious electoral violations that were recorded, another troubling phenomenon must be acknowledged,” Yolyan said. “A number of school directors became overt instruments of political interests, undermining the credibility of schools as independent educational institutions.”

Yolyan argued that the issue warrants both political and legal scrutiny, contending that educators should remain focused on their professional responsibilities rather than partisan activities.

“Children’s education should be entrusted to educators, not political activists,” she said. “Those administrators and staff members who served partisan interests and engaged in political campaigning during the electoral process should not only be held accountable but should also be barred from holding leadership positions within the education system.”

The opposition figure further criticized the limited response of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, saying that references to only one or two isolated incidents failed to address a systemic problem.

According to Yolyan, Armenia’s law enforcement authorities should undertake a thorough examination of the actions of all educational institution leaders allegedly involved in election-related activities. She urged investigators to identify any instances of political pressure, abuse of office and the use of administrative resources for electoral purposes, ensuring that any violations are prosecuted in accordance with the law.