The High Representative of the Union, Kaja Kallas, congratulated Armenians on Tuesday 9 June for having exercised their sovereign democratic right to vote in parliamentary elections and commended the high level of civic participation. “The vote shows Armenia’s firm commitment to democracy, peace and enhanced cooperation in the region as well as closer ties with Europe,” she stressed in a statement on behalf of the EU.
According to the preliminary findings of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, “although the campaign was highly polarised, the elections were managed in an inclusive manner, offered clear political alternatives, and were well organised, under a sound legal framework”, Ms Kallas explained. Thus, in her view, the election campaign and the vote took place in a context of “unprecedented interference, pressure and persistent hybrid attacks from Russia” (see EUROPE 13881/20).
Nevertheless, these elections reflect Armenia’s democratic resilience and the progress made on the path of reforms, the High Representative welcomed, adding that they underscored “the Armenian people’s commitment to European values, peaceful political participation, and the pursuit of a stable, secure and prosperous future”.
While Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party is reported to have won 49.8% of the vote ahead of the Strong Armenia alliance of Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetian (23.3%), Kaja Kallas called on all political actors to respect the outcome of the vote and democratic procedures, and to make use of legal mechanisms to address any electoral complaints. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)