In Armenia, voting is underway for parliamentary elections, with the incumbent government seeking a mandate to strengthen ties with the West while reducing its dependence on Russia.

 

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his ruling Civil Contract party campaigned on a new geopolitical course. The opposition includes several parties that favour closer relations with Moscow.

 

Since taking office in 2018, Mr. Pashinyan has moved Armenia closer to the European Union and advanced the peace process with neighbouring Azerbaijan through a US-brokered agreement.

 

After casting his vote today, Mr. Pashinyan said the European Union remains Armenia’s key partner in democratic reforms and reaffirmed his commitment to that path. He also said relations with Russia remain based on mutual respect and institutional cooperation.