Russia reacts to Armenia election results

Russia has commented on the parliamentary elections held in Armenia after PM Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party emerged as the winner with a majority of votes. 

TASS cited Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as saying that Moscow is currently waiting for the final election results but is also taking note of all reports emerging around the elections.

“We are also taking note of reports regarding numerous violations that occurred during these elections,” Peskov said, according to TASS, despite international observers reporting fair and calm conduct. 

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also reacted to the results.

Citing data from the Central Electoral Commission of Armenia, Zakharova said the Civil Contract party has not obtained a “monopoly on power.”

Zakharova further suggested that the ruling party’s approval rating in Armenia has somewhat declined compared to the previous election cycle. “It is evident in Armenian society that there is strong demand for the continued development of Armenian-Russian relations and for Armenia’s further participation in Eurasian integration structures, which bring tangible benefits to the Armenian people,” she said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the multiple arrests of alleged vote-buying suspects in Armenia as “repression” of the opposition by the authorities.

At the same time, Zakharova stated, “Russia has always been and will remain interested in a strong and truly sovereign Armenia. The Armenian people are our brotherly people, and we wish them peace and prosperity.”

Commenting on Moscow’s approach toward Armenia, she added that Russia intends to shape its policy based on the actual steps taken by the Armenian leadership.