Russia questions legitimacy of Armenia's parliamentary election
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Russia has questioned the legitimacy of Armenia's June 11 parliamentary election, citing procedural irregularities. The Russian Foreign Ministry said the vote failed to meet democratic standards. Tensions between Moscow and Yerevan have escalated over the election's conduct.
The Russian Statement
The Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday said Armenia's June 11 parliamentary election was marred by widespread irregularities, including voter intimidation and ballot stuffing. The statement, published on the ministry's website, claimed the vote did not reflect the will of the Armenian people. Moscow has not recognized the results, which gave Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party a majority.
Armenia's Response
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan rejected the Russian allegations, calling them interference in internal affairs. Yerevan noted that international observers from the CIS and OSCE had not reported systemic fraud. The election saw a 45% voter turnout, with Pashinyan's party winning 54 of 101 seats.
Bilateral Tensions
The dispute marks a new low in Russia-Armenia relations, already strained over Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia's drift toward the West. Russia has criticized Yerevan's refusal to join the CSTO military exercises and its pursuit of EU integration. The election dispute could further isolate Armenia from its traditional ally.
What's Next
The Armenian Central Election Commission is expected to finalize results by June 20. It remains unclear whether Russia will impose any diplomatic measures or if the dispute will affect the planned EU-Armenia cooperation agreement.
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Russia questions legitimacy of Armenia's parliamentary election
