This commentary was prepared by Ms Nare Aramian for the 12th issue of the Armenia Election Monitor 2026 newsletter.
The parliamentary elections of 7 June 2026 represented an important milestone in Armenia's democratic development. More than simply another political event, they served as a test of our democratic maturity and offered citizens an opportunity to influence the future direction of our country. Taking place at a time when Armenia continued to navigate significant political, economic, and geopolitical challenges, these elections demonstrated the importance of democratic participation and civic responsibility.
The very first article of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia defines our country as a democratic state governed by the rule of law. These constitutional principles remain central to the electoral process and to the broader aspirations of Armenian society. They reflect a vision of a country where power belongs to the people, justice is applied equally, social solidarity protects the vulnerable, and public institutions serve the interests of all citizens.
Democracy cannot exist without participation. Elections remain the principal mechanism through which citizens exercise their sovereignty and hold their representatives accountable. While voting is a constitutional right, it is also a civic responsibility. The quality of democracy depends not only on the integrity of institutions and political actors but also on the active engagement of citizens. Voter turnout was above average in the parliamentary elections – approximately 60%, meaning that a majority of eligible citizens chose to participate in shaping the country's future. At the same time, the turnout figures also highlighted the continuing need to strengthen public trust, civic engagement, and democratic participation so that even more citizens feel empowered to take part in the political life of the country.
The elections were also important in the context of Armenia's aspiration to deepen cooperation with Europe and advance towards closer European integration. The values promoted by the European Union – democracy, human rights, equality, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law – are closely aligned with the principles enshrined in Armenia's Constitution. The elections therefore represented not only a domestic democratic process but also an opportunity to demonstrate Armenia's commitment to these shared values.
A democratic Armenia is a country where citizens trust public institutions, where corruption is challenged, where local communities have a meaningful voice in decision-making, and where opportunities are accessible to all regardless of gender, age, disability, social status, or place of residence. Such a society is better positioned to achieve sustainable development, social cohesion, and lasting peace.
For me personally, these elections held special significance. My decision to stand as a parliamentary candidate was a continuation of my long-standing commitment to the values and principles that have guided my civic work for more than twenty-five years. It provided an opportunity to bring the experience of civil society into the political arena and to advocate directly for reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, protecting human rights, expanding equal opportunities, and ensuring meaningful citizen participation in public decision-making.
One of the most valuable aspects of the campaign was the opportunity to meet voters across different communities, listen directly to their concerns, and engage in open conversations about Armenia's future. These encounters reminded me that democracy is not confined to institutions or election days; it lives in the everyday experiences of citizens. I heard stories of hope, resilience, and determination, but also frustration, disappointment, and concern about the challenges facing our country. Many people spoke about their desire for greater social justice, stronger democratic institutions, equal opportunities, and a government that listens and responds to citizens' needs. These conversations reinforced my conviction that public policy must be rooted in the real experiences of people and that meaningful change can only be achieved when citizens are genuinely included in decision-making processes.
Democratic elections must be free, fair, transparent, and accountable, ensuring genuine political competition, freedom of expression, and an independent and impartial counting of votes. Voters should be able to make informed choices based on accurate and reliable information. All participants in the electoral process must have equal opportunities to campaign freely and communicate their ideas through independent and uncensored media. Only full adherence to these democratic principles can ensure that political power is established on the basis of the free and genuine expression of the will of the people, and that the peaceful alternation of power remains possible through democratic elections.
Contrary to the widespread belief that elections in Armenia have already reached a satisfactory standard, it is necessary to draw attention to a number of deeply concerning practices that accompanied recent elections. These included hate speech, persistent information pressure, openly aggressive rhetoric and behaviour, unequal campaign conditions favouring the ruling authorities, the unprecedented use of administrative resources, including employees of state and municipal institutions, as well as kindergarten and school children, and an increase in the number of political prisoners.
Whether in civil society or in politics, my belief has remained unchanged: democracy is not merely a system of government; it is a commitment to human dignity. Human rights, equality, justice, and democratic participation are inseparable. A society cannot be truly democratic if some voices remain unheard, if discrimination persists, or if citizens feel disconnected from the decisions that shape their lives. Looking back, the parliamentary elections reaffirmed the importance of civic engagement in Armenia's democratic journey. They demonstrated that democracy requires continuous participation, vigilance, and commitment from both citizens and public institutions.
Democracy cannot be taken for granted; it must be protected, strengthened, and renewed by each generation. The elections have now become part of Armenia's democratic history, but their significance endures. They reminded us that the future of our country depends on active and engaged citizens who are prepared to participate in public life and uphold the constitutional principles upon which our republic is founded. Armenian citizens must actively engage in democratic life, take responsibility for our country's future, and work together to build a just, democratic, and European Armenia founded on equality, solidarity, and respect for human rights – one that remains faithful to its constitutional values and confident in its future.
Source: Nare Aramian is a human rights advocate and peace builder with an interdisciplinary background in law, sociology, and peace and conflict studies. She is actively engaged in Track 2 peacebuilding initiatives, with particular focus on Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization, confidence-building, and community-level dialogue. Ms Aramian works with the Foundation Against the Violation of Law, where she focuses on democratic development, protection of vulnerable and war-affected populations, and strengthening community participation in decision-making. She also serves as Member of Yerevan City Council of Elders, and as the Representative in Armenia of Pro Paws Animal Welfare Charity (UK).
