Armenian authorities arrested six candidates from a pro-Russian opposition party on Saturday, just one day before the nation's general elections, according to state media reports that did not specify the reasons for the detentions.
The arrested individuals are reportedly affiliated with the Strong Armenia party, led by Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan. Karapetyan himself is currently under house arrest facing charges of inciting the overthrow of the government, accusations he contends are politically motivated.
The relationship between Armenia and its traditional patron, Russia, has become a central issue in the election campaign. Moscow has recently imposed restrictions on Armenian exports, a move seen as a response to Yerevan's improving ties with the West. Approximately 2.4 million Armenians are eligible to vote in Sunday's election, which also serves as a referendum on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's efforts to establish peace with neighboring Azerbaijan.
Polls indicate that Strong Armenia holds between 6% and 11% of the electorate's support, positioning it as the second-largest party behind Pashinyan's ruling Civil Contract party, which commands between 24% and 32%. Concerns have been raised by Armenian civil society groups regarding alleged Russian state-sponsored disinformation campaigns preceding the election, though Moscow consistently denies interfering in the internal affairs of other nations.
The state media outlet Armenpress reported that the Central Election Commission has authorized investigators to commence criminal proceedings against the six candidates. The Investigative Committee of Armenia, responsible for the arrests, had not immediately responded to queries regarding the specific reasons for the detentions. Strong Armenia, advocating for the preservation of Yerevan's economic and political ties with Russia and accusing Prime Minister Pashinyan of provoking conflict with Moscow, has yet to issue an official statement.
Earlier this week, Armenia's Interior Ministry disclosed that at least 78 pre-election offenses had been identified, leading to the detention of 44 individuals, according to Armenian media figures. Separately, the Central Election Commission rejected a lawsuit filed by another opposition group seeking to disqualify Strong Armenia from the elections due to allegations of voter bribery and illegal campaign financing. The party has broadly dismissed these accusations, with its spokesperson quoted as stating the group is "ready for all scenarios" on election day.
