Opposition forces hold talks ahead of 2026 elections, unity still unclear

(Horizon Weekly / YEREVAN) — With Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections approaching, opposition political forces continue negotiations over possible alliances and electoral strategies. Despite publicly declaring their shared objective of removing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan from office, opposition parties have yet to reach a broad agreement on a unified approach.

This report, including comments from political figures and party representatives, is based on coverage by Azatutyun (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty).

Earlier this month, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) announced it intends to participate in the elections as part of an alliance and has begun discussions with other political parties.

Member of Parliament Kristine Vardanyan of the ARF said that the main negotiations are underway with former President Robert Kocharyan. She noted that the talks focus on preserving the existing “Hayastan” (Armenia) alliance structure established ahead of the 2021 snap elections.

Vardanyan said that while there are no major ideological disagreements, discussions are ongoing regarding campaign platforms, policy priorities, candidate lists, and organizational arrangements. She emphasized that the alliance remains open both to political parties and individual figures, stressing that the goal is to strengthen public confidence and build a more effective team.

In 2021, the ARF and the “Reborn Armenia” party joined forces under Kocharyan’s leadership to form the “Hayastan” Alliance. Current discussions are centred on whether this format should be maintained, with possible changes to membership. Final decisions are expected by the end of February, with alliance leaders inclined to keep the existing name.

Meanwhile, the Republican Party, led by former President Serzh Sargsyan, has also begun internal discussions on election participation. Party representative Tigran Abrahamyan said that the executive body recently held lengthy consultations but has not yet adopted a formal position.

Abrahamyan added that the party continues to pursue the possibility of removing the prime minister through impeachment, an initiative launched months ago with support from the “Hayastan” faction. However, he acknowledged that the process has stalled, noting that political change requires broad mobilization and cooperation beyond parliamentary procedures.

Outside parliament, opposition groups are also seeking ways to coordinate their efforts. The Armenian National Congress, founded by the first President Levon Ter-Petrosyan, has called for unification around a political force associated with businessman Samvel Karapetyan. The party’s prime ministerial candidate, Levon Zurabyan, described Karapetyan’s movement as the strongest opposition contender at present and confirmed that talks are underway.

Zurabyan said his party has proposed establishing a coordinating committee to select a common candidate for prime minister, to avoid internal leadership rivalries. Although the idea has not been rejected, he noted that negotiations have made limited progress. He also acknowledged that disagreements over leadership remain a major obstacle to unity.

The “Mer Dzevov” (Our Way) movement has nominated Narek Karapetyan as its prime ministerial candidate, with an official announcement expected on February 12. Karapetyan has so far declined to comment publicly.

The “Bright Armenia” party has also reported discussions with Samvel Karapetyan regarding a potential large-scale opposition alliance, though no concrete agreements have been reached.

At the same time, several political figures and parties have confirmed their intention to run independently. The “Republic” Party, which currently cooperates with “Civil Contract” in the Yerevan City Council, will participate with Aram Sargsyan as its candidate for prime minister. Former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan and former Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan have also announced their plans to enter the race.

The ruling “Civil Contract” party has stated that it will contest the elections on its own and has expressed confidence that it will secure more than half of the vote.

As negotiations continue, opposition forces remain divided over leadership, strategy, and organizational structure, leaving the prospects for a unified front against the government uncertain.