Armenia’s parliamentary election marred by media raid and ballot‑tampering accusations

Two days before the parliamentary vote, police raided the offices of opposition outlet Armat Media, seizing phones, computers and other equipment. The outlet’s editor Aghavni Sookasyan said the newsroom remains locked and that journalists’ work rights have been violated.

Opposition candidate Gohar Meloyan reported numerous irregularities, including pre‑filled 16‑number ballot papers being placed inside ballot boxes, voter intimidation, and frequent changes of polling‑station addresses. She warned that such actions “artificially obstruct” citizens’ right to vote.

Former president Serzh Sarkissian commented that if the 2017 elections had been observed by European monitors, they would have recorded “widespread violations”.

Political commentator Papo Gevo highlighted the harsh language used by the ruling authorities and threats directed at opposition figures, noting that such rhetoric fuels an atmosphere of intimidation.