The People of Armenia Chose Peace, Sovereignty, and Democracy

By KRIKOR KHODANIAN

One of the most consequential elections in Armenia’s history has come to an end, helping determine the country’s domestic and foreign policy direction for the years ahead. The results have been welcomed by the majority of Armenian society, both in Armenia and throughout the Diaspora. European countries have also expressed satisfaction and extended their congratulations, particularly those that recently came to Armenia’s assistance in mitigating the economic sanctions imposed by Russia.

Disappointed by the outcome are those who confidently predicted the inevitability of an imminent change of government. Moscow, which did everything within its power to secure an opposition victory, is likewise dissatisfied with the results.

Election observer missions from both Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), led by Russia, described the electoral process as “well-organized and competitive,” while noting certain violations committed by both the authorities and opposition parties.

Through the outcome of these elections, the people of Armenia reaffirmed their position on several critical issues, including peace, sovereignty, and democracy. All three require a government committed to safeguarding and strengthening them.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s peace agenda received the approval of the electorate. Emerging from war as the defeated side and lacking reliable allies, official Yerevan faced a difficult choice: either continue the conflict and remain trapped in perpetual blockade and isolation, or attempt to normalize relations with neighboring countries in order to open a path toward national development and improved living standards. As difficult as it may be for many of us to accept the idea of rapprochement with two countries that have historically been viewed as adversaries—Azerbaijan and Turkey—we must remain realistic and acknowledge that Armenia exists in a geographically challenging environment. Our homeland stands before the necessity of making courageous decisions. The elections provided a clear answer to this question and made the position of the majority of the people unmistakably clear.

The second issue on which voters rendered their verdict concerns Armenia’s right to pursue an independent foreign policy. In recent years, Armenia has adopted a multi-vector foreign policy based exclusively on its national interests. The question of sovereignty was effectively placed on the ballot when a pro-Russian opposition front emerged, demanding that the fate of a peace agreement with Azerbaijan be tied to guarantees from a third country. Various forms of Russian interference further intensified the situation, confronting voters with the imperative of defending their nation’s sovereignty. Here too, Armenian citizens expressed a decisive commitment to independence and self-determination.

These elections also put on the scales the right to have a government formed through free and fair elections. For citizens who had endured decades of fraudulent electoral practices, it was equally important to defend democratic principles, which would undoubtedly have been endangered had political forces with a troubling record in this area returned to power with the intention of reversing the achievements and progress of recent years.

The 2026 elections were not flawless, and the primary responsibility for many of the shortcomings lay within the ranks of the opposition. The widespread use of vote-buying compelled law enforcement authorities to make arrests, which are now being used to discredit the election and cast doubt on its legitimacy. Nevertheless, the undeniable reality remains that the entire process took place under competitive and free conditions, giving voters the opportunity to express their will—an essential value in any democratic society.

Armenia is now entering a new phase, and public expectations of the newly elected government are greater than ever. The authorities are obligated to fulfill their campaign promises; otherwise, five years from now, they may face a very different political fate.

“MASSIS”