International Observatory for Democracy in Armenia warns of political rights deterioration ahead of June elections

(Horizon Weekly /YEREVAN) – An international democracy monitoring group has raised concerns about the political and civil rights environment in Armenia ahead of the country’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections.

At a press conference in Yerevan, the International Observatory for Democracy in Armenia (IODA) presented a preliminary assessment following a fact-finding mission conducted in the country from March 7 to 12. The delegation, composed of independent human rights experts, met with representatives of civil society organizations, political parties, members of the clergy, and state authorities to evaluate the current democratic climate.

According to the organization, developments in recent months have raised questions about whether the conditions necessary for a fair and competitive election are being maintained. The group cited concerns about what it described as politically motivated prosecutions of perceived political opponents, including political leaders, media figures, lawyers, and members of the clergy. It also raised alarms about alleged interference in the independence of the judiciary and the use of criminal charges related to speech offenses.

Among the cases highlighted by the delegation was the detention of opposition figures and clergy, including Strong Armenia party leader Samvel Karapetyan and several senior clerics, with observers questioning the proportionality of police actions and the use of prolonged pre-trial detention.

“The environment for political and civil rights in Armenia has deteriorated in ways that raise serious concerns about democratic conditions ahead of the elections,” said Kenneth Roth, a member of IODA’s executive board. He emphasized that Armenia’s democratic institutions remain a key national asset, particularly given the country’s difficult regional security environment.

IODA representatives also expressed concern about what they described as potential political pressure on the judiciary, including dismissals of judges and the assignment of cases involving political figures.

The delegation further argued that the international community should focus primarily on safeguarding democratic processes rather than approaching Armenia’s elections through a geopolitical lens.

“The most important issue is the preservation of a genuine democratic process,” said Philippe Kalfayan, another member of the organization’s executive board.

IODA stated that during its visit, Armenia’s Justice Ministry, Interior Ministry, the Constitutional Court, and the ruling Civil Contract party declined to meet with the delegation.

The upcoming elections are taking place amid a tense political climate following Armenia’s defeat in the 2020 Artsakh war and ongoing debates over the government’s negotiations with Azerbaijan.

The organization said it will continue monitoring developments and plans to issue further assessments in the lead-up to the June elections.