On June 7, approximately 2.5 million voters in Armenia will choose between 18 parties and blocs vying for seats in parliament.
Modern.az recalls that three opposition forces are the main rivals to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's ruling "Civil Contract" party: the "Strong Armenia" alliance supported by Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, the "Armenia" bloc led by ex-president Robert Kocharyan, and businessman Gagik Tsarukyan's "Prosperous Armenia" party. The former ruling Republican Party, led by ex-president Serzh Sargsyan, is not participating in these elections.
Ruling "Civil Contract" Party
The party led by Nikol Pashinyan has governed the country since the 2018 "Velvet Revolution" and is currently considered the favorite in the election. The main question is whether the party will gain the constitutional majority necessary to form a government alone and make constitutional changes.
Pashinyan announced at the 2025 congress that if he wins, he will lay the foundation for the "Fourth Republic of Armenia," which envisages the adoption of a new constitution. It should be noted that changes to the constitution are considered the main obstacle to signing a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. Pashinyan also promotes the ideology of "Real Armenia," urging Armenians to accept existing borders and warning that the victory of the opposition, which he calls the "three-headed war party," would lead to a new war. According to the latest poll by the International Republican Institute (IRI), the party is first in the election with 32%.
"Strong Armenia" Bloc
It is built around the party of Russian-Armenian oligarch Samvel Karapetyan, who has a fortune of 4.4 billion dollars. Karapetyan joined political processes after defending the church in the conflict between the Armenian church and the government. Karapetyan, who is currently accused of serious crimes such as "calling for the seizure of power" and "money laundering," is known to be a citizen of 3 countries. His nephew Narek Karapetyan officially manages the election campaign.
The bloc is also supported by the imprisoned criminal Ruben Vardanyan's "Country to Live" party. Karapetyan's close ties with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) raise questions about his independence in foreign policy. Dozens of party members have been arrested on charges of bribing voters. Its rating is 6%.
"Armenia" Bloc
This is a bloc led by Robert Kocharyan, Armenia's president from 1998-2008 and a war criminal. Kocharyan's era is remembered for the bloody events of March 1, 2008, which resulted in 10 deaths, and widespread lawlessness and corruption. The alliance includes the terrorist opposition "Dashnaktsutyun" party and forces that split from the Republican Party. Kocharyan accuses Pashinyan of damaging relations with Russia and advocates for closer integration with Moscow. Its voting rating is 3%.
"Prosperous Armenia" Party
The party led by oligarch Gagik Tsarukyan is running in the elections with the "Armenian Proposal" program and together with Andranik Tevanyan's "Mother Armenia" bloc. Tsarukyan promises to build the world's tallest statue of Jesus Christ and the "Noah's Ark" complex in the country.
However, two weeks before the election, bloc member Tevanyan was accused of treason and espionage in favor of Russian intelligence. Also, the Russian publication "The Insider" exposed Tsarukyan's financial ties with Russian intelligence. Tsarukyan was once sentenced to 7 years in prison (in 1979) for the group rape and robbery of 2 Russian tourists, but this decision was later overturned. Its rating is 1%.
"Armenian Meritocratic Party"
Founded in 2025, its rating is 2%. Its leader, Gurgen Simonyan, demands Armenia's immediate withdrawal from the CSTO, the Eurasian Economic Union, and the CIS, and its full integration with the West.
"New Force" Party
This is the party of former Yerevan mayor and comic actor Hayk Marutyan. His campaign is built on satirical videos targeting Pashinyan. Its rating is below the election threshold.
"Armenian National Congress" (ANC)
This is the party of former president Levon Ter-Petrosyan. It advocates for peace and logistical projects with Azerbaijan and Turkey, but its current rating is very low.
"Wings of Unity" Party
Led by former ombudsman Arman Tatoyan. Its campaign is allegedly funded by Russian political technologists for 2.5 million dollars. Its rating is 1%.
"Republic" Party
A small party advocating for European integration, but with ratings below 1%.
"Democratic Against All" Party
Founded in March 2026. It's an interesting platform that promises to win the elections, change the system, and then step down from politics by calling for new elections after 100 days. Its leader is Nina Karapetyants. Its rating is 1%.
"Nomad" National Revival Party
Founded in March 2026. It is a marginal radical-revanchist group that promises to "occupy Karabakh by hiring a private army (mercenaries) of 50-80 thousand." Its leaders are brothers Artak and Arman Sargsyan. They are accused of international drug trafficking and document forgery. Their ratings are close to zero.
"Democracy, Law and Order"
This is the party of former military police officer Vardan Ghukasyan, who is imprisoned in the US for violating immigration rules and accused of bribery in Armenia. Its rating is 1%.
"National Democratic Pole"
It consists of members of the "Sasna Tsrer" armed group that carried out a terrorist act by seizing a police regiment in Yerevan in 2016. Its rating is far below the election threshold.
Polls show that radical forces advocating sharp anti-Azerbaijan and revanchist slogans are not gaining support in Armenian society. Although Armenian voters are currently dissatisfied, they tend to favor the "Real Armenia" formula presented by Pashinyan.
