Armenia's Civil Contract party, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is leading the parliamentary election with 57.14% of the vote in early results based on approximately 5% of polling stations, according to data broadcast by the electoral commission.
The pro-Russian Strong Armenia alliance is currently in second place with about 21% of the votes. The Armenia Alliance, headed by former President Robert Kocharyan, is third with approximately 8%.
This parliamentary election is the first since Armenia's significant military setback against Azerbaijan in 2023. The outcome is seen as a crucial test for Prime Minister Pashinyan's agenda, which includes strengthening ties with the West and finalizing a peace agreement with Azerbaijan following prolonged conflict and political instability.
Since assuming power in 2018, Prime Minister Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has moved Armenia towards closer relations with Western countries. The party faced opposition from three primary pro-Russian political blocs.
Pre-election polls had indicated a lead for the ruling party, with projections of up to 32% of voter support, and the Strong Armenia alliance anticipated to secure second place with up to 11%.
