Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Wins Election, Says Turkey Relations Will Be Normalized

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract (Sivil Sözleşme) party secured a decisive win in Armenia’s parliamentary election, obtaining roughly 50‑57 % of the vote and a clear majority in the 105‑seat assembly. Voter turnout rose to about 59 %, the highest since 2017, with 16 parties and two alliances competing. Pashinyan announced that his party will form the government without coalition partners.

In post‑election statements, Pashinyan highlighted a regional peace agenda, emphasizing that Armenia is at peace with Azerbaijan and enjoys deep ties with Georgia. He called for the swift establishment of diplomatic relations with Turkey, the opening of borders, and the completion of rail and road links, notably the Gümrü‑Kars railway. He also promoted the “Peace Junction” (TRIPP) corridor that would connect Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran, describing it as a transformative project for the South Caucasus.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan echoed these sentiments in Parliament, noting that direct trade with Turkey has already begun—albeit still routed through third countries—and that the working group on reopening the Gümrü‑Kars line is advancing. Both leaders expressed confidence that economic cooperation will lead to lasting political reconciliation in the region.