A prominent political analyst has declared that Armenia’s upcoming 2026 parliamentary elections have already been compromised, suggesting that genuine political competition will shift from ballot boxes to public demonstrations.
According to the expert, electoral manipulation occurs long before voting day through the creation of unequal conditions for political actors. He noted that leaders of major opposition parties currently face either imprisonment or ongoing legal proceedings, creating what he characterized as an uneven playing field.
The analyst observed significant apprehension within opposition ranks regarding confrontation with the current administration. He suggested that many opposition figures appear willing to operate within parameters established by the ruling party rather than mounting substantive challenges.
“There’s considerable hesitation among opposition forces,” the political scientist commented. “Many fear potential legal consequences or express uncertainty about governing responsibilities should they achieve electoral success under present circumstances.”
The expert concluded that while internal debates continue within opposition circles, caution currently prevails over confrontation. He anticipates that political contention will increasingly manifest through public mobilization rather than conventional electoral processes.
