Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, secured victory in the general election held on June 7, according to final results released by the Central Electoral Commission on Sunday. The party garnered 49.7% of the vote, enabling it to form the next government amid a politically charged atmosphere shaped by debates over the country’s geopolitical orientation and Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus region.

The election was widely viewed as a referendum on Armenia’s foreign policy direction. Pashinyan’s administration has sought to strengthen ties with the European Union and the United States, signaling a shift away from the country’s traditional alliance with Russia. This strategic repositioning remains a contentious issue domestically, drawing sharp criticism from opposition factions who advocate for maintaining close relations with Moscow.

In response to the announced results, the opposition Strong Armenia party, known for its pro-Russian stance, filed an appeal with the Central Electoral Commission, alleging widespread irregularities in the voting process. Members of Strong Armenia, alongside other opposition groups, staged a protest outside the commission’s headquarters during the finalization of the election outcomes, demanding cancellation of the vote tally.

Despite these challenges, the electoral authority upheld the results, affirming the legitimacy of the vote and paving the way for Pashinyan to continue leading the government. The election outcome underscores ongoing tensions within Armenia over its geopolitical alignment, with the ruling party pushing for deeper integration with Western institutions while opposition forces emphasize the importance of sustaining established ties with Russia.