The latest poll by Gallup International, on the one hand, does provide some grounds for cautious optimism. First, opposition forces that are likely to pass the electoral threshold collectively receive more support than the Civil Contract party. Second, there is a strong possibility that the “Wings of Unity” party will also enter parliament.
There is, however, bad news as well. In response to the question of whether the elections will be fair or marred by fraud, more than 40 percent of respondents answered “rather fraudulent” or “definitely fraudulent.” This indicates serious doubts about the fairness, democratic standards, and integrity of Armenia’s current authorities.
These doubts are well grounded. For instance, in Gyumri, Vanadzor, and Masis, election results were effectively “annulled” by the authorities through a “law enforcement system” and “courts” acting on their behalf.
Moreover, if I were asked that question, I would respond as follows: the 2026 elections are already taking place in an atmosphere of fraud. Elections are not limited to voting day alone. Democratic elections require conditions in which citizens are able to freely express their will. This, in particular, means that all political forces must be given equal opportunities.
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Can we say that such conditions exist in Armenia? Certainly not. At least two parties with real chances of entering parliament — Strong Armenia and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) — are facing clear political persecution. There are numerous cases of restrictions on freedom of speech, as documented by the international organization Reporters Without Borders, which has significantly lowered Armenia’s ranking.
Does this mean that Armenian citizens should lose hope and abstain from voting? Quite the opposite: the authorities’ brazen conduct must be restrained through active voter participation.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
