Ahead of the parliamentary elections in Armenia, the socio-political situation in the country remains tense and competitive. As the confrontation between the government and the opposition deepens against the backdrop of the election campaign, the impact of the processes on the future political landscape of the region is also in the spotlight.
Speaking to Modern.az on the topic, MP Rizvan Nabiyev stated that the main political struggle is taking place between the ruling Civil Contract Party led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the opposition camp, which takes a revanchist and radical stance.
According to him, the influence of figures such as former presidents Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan, Gagik Sarukyan, who represents large business-political circles, as well as Samvel Karapetyan, who has ties with Armenian business circles in Russia, is felt in the opposition front:
“These political and financial circles mainly accuse the government of failure in security policy and prefer a harsher, more emotional rhetoric.”
Rizvan Nabiyev noted that although ultra-nationalist circles supporting a revanchist approach continue to exist in Armenia, pragmatic approaches are also observed to be strengthening in society:
“Amid economic problems, regional isolation, and closed communications, approaches that accept the importance of peace and economic cooperation are increasing.”
The political commentator believes that the role of the Armenian Apostolic Church and its close circles in these processes also attracts special attention:
“The Church is one of the traditional institutions of influence in Armenia in terms of national identity and political mobilization. Recently, some religious and nationalist circles appear to be more critical of the government's peace agenda. The government, in turn, tries to weaken this influence through various means.”
In his opinion, at the current stage, the ruling Civil Contract Party has a certain advantage in terms of administrative resources, parliamentary majority, and governance capabilities:
“However, the opposition's campaign, built on national security and emotional factors, maintains certain influence.”
The MP emphasized that the election results are important not only for Armenia's domestic policy but also for the future security architecture of the region:
“From Azerbaijan's perspective, the main expectation is the strengthening of a political approach that supports the peace agenda, border delimitation, opening of communications, and normalization of relations. If a pragmatic and constructive line prevails in Armenia, this could positively impact the progress of peace talks and the formation of a more stable security environment in the region.”
