Pashinyan Cleansing Old Accounts? Armenia Launches Crackdown on Opposition

On June 9, just after the official results of the Armenian parliamentary election were announced, detentions and arrests began immediately. According to local media reports, two candidates from the "Strong Armenia" party led by Russian-Armenian oligarch Samvel Karapetyan were arrested on charges of large-scale money laundering and vote-buying. Karapetyan has been under house arrest since last year, accused of plotting a coup, but he denies the charges and claims they are politically motivated.

Meanwhile, prosecutors have launched an investigation into Gagik Chahukyan, leader of the "Prosperous Armenia" party (pictured), over allegations of massive tax evasion. On the morning of the 9th, Chahukyan attempted to leave the country but was informed at the airport that his departure had been restricted.

The Armenian National Assembly election took place on June 7. Nineteen political parties and coalitions participated, with a voter turnout of 59%. The "Civil Contract" party led by Pashinyan secured 49.81% of the vote and won the election; Samvel Karapetyan’s "Strong Armenia" party received 23.29% of the vote, ranking second. The "Armenia" coalition led by former president Robert Kocharyan obtained 9.94% of the votes, while the "Prosperous Armenia" party garnered 4%. All three opposition groups called for improved relations with Moscow, collectively securing approximately 37% of the vote—surpassing expectations.

The 49.81% vote share for the "Civil Contract" party entitles it to 61 out of 105 parliamentary seats, granting Pashinyan a majority sufficient to form the next government independently. However, this majority did not meet the necessary threshold required to pass constitutional amendments—a condition set by Azerbaijan as part of the final peace treaty. In the 2021 elections, Pashinyan's party received 54% of the vote.

Russia currently supplies gas to Armenia at $177.5 per thousand cubic meters, significantly lower than the European market price exceeding $600. After his victory, Pashinyan faces a new dilemma: continue leaning toward the West or remain within the Eurasian Economic Union. Putin has stated that if Armenia exits the union, it would only be supplied gas at market prices. Additionally, Armenia would lose 14% of its GDP and $4.9 billion in cumulative investments.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867542211097612/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.