Armenia begins counting votes in pivotal parliamentary election

Armenia has begun counting ballots after polls closed in a decisive parliamentary election that is being watched closely for its impact on the country's future direction. The vote took place on Sunday evening, with polling stations closing at 20:00 local time, and the first official count now under way. The result is expected to shape not only domestic politics but also Armenia's position in the South Caucasus.

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Officials said turnout was higher than in the 2021 parliamentary election, but lower than in 2012 and 2017. As counting started, unofficial exit poll projections circulated on social media, prompting warnings for caution. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan posted a short video after polls closed, saying: "Good evening, and I love you all," which suggested confidence among supporters of his pro-West Civil Contract party.

The opposition also moved quickly to claim momentum. Narek Karapetyan, a leader of the Strong Armenia party and a relative of Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, said the "historically high turnout shows us that Pashinyan is losing." He is currently under house arrest, according to the supplied material. The competing claims underline how closely the result is being read as a test of support for Pashinyan's political direction.

The election carries wider significance because it comes after a historic peace agreement with Azerbaijan and amid a sharp geopolitical balancing act. The supplied material says Russia warned Yerevan of a "Ukraine scenario," while the EU and the US backed Pashinyan's cautious pro-West pivot. That makes the count important beyond Armenia's borders, because the outcome may influence how the country manages relations with Moscow, Western partners and its neighbour Azerbaijan.

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Pashinyan's government has been associated with a move away from Russia and towards closer ties with Western states, a shift that has drawn support and criticism in equal measure. The election is therefore being treated as a referendum on that approach as much as a contest between parties. Civil Contract is seeking to defend its position, while the Strong Armenia camp is presenting itself as the alternative.

What remains unclear is the final result, the scale of any margin, and whether either side will accept the count without dispute. The next key development will be the release of official results and any reaction from the main parties. Observers will also be watching whether turnout patterns and competing claims lead to further political tension in the hours ahead.

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