OSCE says Armenia vote to be held in polarized climate

PanARMENIAN.Net - OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights stated that Armenia’s parliamentary elections are being conducted in a polarized political and social environment.

In its interim report, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights said the atmosphere was shaped by developments following the September 2023 ceasefire agreement with Azerbaijan and the initialing of the “Agreement on Peace and the Establishment of Interstate Relations” between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the Washington summit in August 2025, according to RFE/RL.

The report also noted that the electoral environment is influenced by debates surrounding ratification and implementation of the agreement, constitutional reform and Armenia’s foreign policy orientation.

Among the causes of polarization, ODIHR highlighted tensions between the government and leaders of the Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as criminal cases initiated against opposition representatives.

For nearly a year, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has demanded the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II and launched a church reform movement. During this period, criminal cases have been initiated against both the Catholicos and several senior clergymen. The ruling political force has also included the issue of the Catholicos’ removal in its election platform.

“The campaign is active and focused on the peace process with Azerbaijan, foreign policy, the economy, employment, rule of law and anti-corruption issues. Campaign rhetoric is divisive and harsh in tone and marked by war-related narratives, particularly regarding the government’s Real Armenia program, as well as the status and possible reforms of the Armenian Apostolic Church,” the report said.

During meetings with observers, opposition parties and some civil society representatives expressed concerns about possible misuse of administrative resources and bonuses distributed within the state system before the elections. The report also referred to criminal cases linked to alleged vote-buying and violations of restrictions on charitable activities involving members of opposition parties.

Observers described the media landscape as pluralistic but vulnerable to political influence due to the shrinking advertising market. Particular attention was paid to the Public Television Company.

“The law requires balanced campaign coverage, but some ODIHR interlocutors perceive the public broadcaster as supportive of the government. The Television and Radio Commission is authorized to monitor broadcasters and had already issued warnings to two television channels before the official campaign began,” the report stated.

The election campaign that began on May 8 will continue until June 5. June 6 will be observed as a day of silence, while elections will take place on June 7.