The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Armenia of repression following the defeat of pro-Russian parties

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the parliamentary elections in Armenia were marked by severe repression against the opposition and a gross violation of democratic procedures by the current government. 

The basis for these accusations was the defeat of pro-Russian political forces amid the victory of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s “Civic Contract,” which garnered 49.81% of the vote with a total turnout of nearly 59%. 

According to the announced results, the Moscow-backed “Strong Armenia” bloc led by billionaire Samvel Karapetyan received 23.29% of the vote, while former President Robert Kocharyan’s political bloc garnered only 9.94%. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed outrage that pressure and persecution by Armenian officials were directed exclusively at forces advocating for strengthening the alliance with Russia, further Eurasian integration within the EAEU and CSTO, as well as a rejection of the European integration course. Additionally, the Russian diplomat complained that the Armenian Apostolic Church has also been caught up in the wave of repression in the country.