YEREVAN, Armenia — Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared victory in his nation’s general election during the early morning hours Monday, with initial vote counts showing his Civil Contract party secured first place by capturing 49.81% of ballots cast.
The prime minister and his Civil Contract party are seeking a robust public endorsement for Armenia’s shifting foreign policy direction, which includes moving away from ties with Moscow while pursuing membership in the European Union.
Pashinyan’s primary challenger was Samvel Karapetyan, a wealthy businessman who built his fortune in Russia and currently faces house arrest on charges of promoting government overthrow. Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia bloc finished second with 23.29% of votes, though he maintains the accusations against him are politically driven.
The nation’s Central Election Commission reported that four political parties exceeded the required 4% vote threshold to gain parliamentary seats following Sunday’s voting, with some holding strong pro-Russian positions.
The Strong Armenia party led by Karapetyan advocates for strengthening commercial relationships with Russia and has criticized Pashinyan for potentially provoking conflict with the Kremlin.
Two additional parties earned legislative representation: Armenia secured 9.94% of votes while Blossoming Armenia reached exactly 4%. Election officials recorded voter participation at 59.97%.
Speaking with reporters at his campaign headquarters before official results were announced, Pashinyan stated his party achieved an unprecedented electoral success and would establish a government independently.
Senior European Union leaders offered congratulations to Pashinyan after the closely fought contest, which European observers viewed as a measure of Russian sway over the former Soviet nation.
“The spirit of the Velvet Revolution you led in 2018 is alive and well,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote Monday on social media, referencing the widespread demonstrations initiated by Pashinyan’s advocacy that removed Armenia’s previous Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan from power.
“We deeply value our partnership with a democratic Armenia that is drawing ever closer to Europe. Armenia can count on us,” von der Leyen stated.
European Council President António Costa similarly congratulated Pashinyan through a post on X, discussing expanded EU involvement in Armenia and the wider South Caucasus area, which connects Europe’s energy-seeking markets with Central Asian natural gas resources.
“Together, the EU and Armenia are building stronger links between people and creating new opportunities in energy, trade, and digitalization. Our strong partnership is an investment in a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region as a whole,” he wrote.
