On Saturday, Armenia’s Central Electoral Commission (CEC) declined to disqualify the opposition party Strong Armenia, led by Armenian-Russian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, just one day before the elections.
The disqualification request was submitted by the pro-European Republic party, represented by its leader Arma Sargsyan. The basis for the appeal centered on allegations of voter bribery.
The statement claimed that during the 2026 electoral campaign, the Strong Armenia party coalition and associated individuals allegedly engaged in numerous acts aimed at distributing electoral bribes and concealing financial interests among voters.
However, representatives from Strong Armenia refuted these allegations, labeling the Republic party’s claims as “legal nonsense.”
“The electoral code states: continuous violations… you have not proven any violations, yet you speak of continuous violations… You claim there are accusations. There are no accusations,” stated Aram Vardevanyan, the party’s deputy candidate and legal advisor.
Following a two-hour review, the CEC unanimously rejected the disqualification request, with CEC head Vaagn Ovakimyan noting that there were no grounds for the dismissal and that the Republic party’s appeal was based on assumptions.
Contextually, as reported by Radio Liberty, the Republic party filed the complaint after a debate aired on Public Television, which took place on June 4, featuring Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
During the debate, suggestions arose that the participation of Strong Armenia should be annulled based on reports and published recordings regarding voter bribery. However, Pashinyan indicated that his political party would not approach the CEC to avoid creating the impression of fearing electoral defeat.
The Central Electoral Commission of Armenia has upheld the registration of the opposition party Strong Armenia, dismissing allegations of voter bribery made by the Republic party. This decision comes just before the elections, amidst a backdrop of political tension and debate over electoral integrity.