Armenia's ruling party leads parliamentary vote with 57% in early results

Armenia's ruling Civil Contract party is leading the ongoing parliamentary election, according to early results from approximately 5% of polling stations. The party, headed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, has secured 57.14% of the vote, data from the electoral commission broadcast on public television shows.

This election is a crucial test for Pashinyan's government, which has sought to deepen ties with the West since coming to power in 2018. It follows Armenia's significant military defeat by Azerbaijan in 2023 and comes amid efforts to secure a peace deal after years of conflict. The results indicate a potential endorsement of Pashinyan's political direction.

Opposition parties are trailing considerably in the early count. The pro-Russian Strong Armenia alliance is in second place with about 21% of the votes, while the Armenia Alliance, led by former President Robert Kocharyan, is in third with roughly 8%. Pre-election polls had suggested the ruling party would lead, but with a smaller margin.

Pashinyan's Civil Contract party faces competition from three main pro-Russian opposition groups. The outcome of this election will likely shape Armenia's geopolitical alignment and its approach to resolving the long-standing conflict with Azerbaijan.