As Armenia approaches the parliamentary elections of June 7, 2026, one fundamental principle must stand above all political preferences: the will of the people is binding. In every democratic state, it is the people who decide who should govern the country. When citizens cast their votes in free, fair, and transparent elections, the outcome must be accepted and respected by all sides.
This article is not written to promote any candidate or political force. Every citizen has the right to hold his or her own political preference, and political competition is a natural part of democracy. However, a greater issue is at stake: Armenia must put an end to chaos, endless political confrontation, and the culture of rejecting legitimate electoral outcomes.
After these elections, it is unacceptable to continuously demand a change of government without cause, or for groups rejected by the people and defeated at the ballot box to demand the resignation of the prime minister, whoever that prime minister may be. In a democracy, governments are changed through elections, not through street pressure or the deliberate creation of instability.
If the elections are transparent and lawful — and Armenia has made significant progress in improving its electoral processes since 2018 — then the results carry full democratic legitimacy. No political force has the right to reject the outcome simply because it did not win. If there are allegations of violations or irregularities, they must be examined strictly within the framework of the law, through the Central Electoral Commission and the appropriate judicial institutions. Once election results are officially certified, it is unacceptable to cast doubt upon them or attempt to create another political crisis.
In every civilized country, the minority respects the decision of the majority while preserving its right to criticize, organize, and participate in future elections. That is how democracy functions. The opposition has an important role: to hold the government accountable, point out mistakes, and offer alternatives, but always within the limits of the law and the Constitution.
Any attempt to create unrest, inflame tensions, or portray the electoral process as illegitimate, both before and after the elections, must be firmly rejected. Baseless accusations of electoral fraud damage public trust, deepen divisions, and weaken the state.
The Armenian Diaspora remains an important part of the nation, with deep moral ties and a lasting commitment to Armenia. Armenians across the world continue to stand beside the homeland, supporting national, cultural, and state life. However, the legal right to elect Armenia’s National Assembly belongs to the citizens of the Republic of Armenia, who participate in elections according to the constitutional order.
The 2026 elections can become an important milestone in Armenia’s democratic maturity. Whoever wins through free and transparent elections must be granted the right to govern the country for the next five years. If we truly want our state to stabilize and our institutions to strengthen, then we must respect election outcomes and end the ongoing hostility and polarization between political forces once the elections are over.
In the civilized world, after elections conclude, people congratulate the winning force, while the losing side commits itself to constructive opposition work and prepares for the next elections. There is no other path if we genuinely believe in the sovereign will of the people living in the homeland and in the principles of democratic governance.
“NOR SEROUNT” Sydney
