International observers have published a preliminary report on the results of the parliamentary elections in Armenia held on June 7. The document notes that voters were provided with a genuine choice among political alternatives, and the voting process as a whole was organized at a high level.

At the same time, observers recorded a number of factors that, in their assessment, affected the equality of opportunity during the electoral campaign. Among them were reports of foreign pressure, including trade restrictions and security threats, which, as noted, could have influenced electoral preferences.

The report states that the electoral campaign was highly confrontational and was accompanied by allegations of vote-buying and other violations. These factors led to the initiation of a number of criminal proceedings against opposition candidates and activists, which, according to observers, affected their participation in the campaign.

Pressure on public sector employees to attend ruling party events was also noted, as well as the impact of recently introduced social and economic measures, which raised questions about the equality of opportunity for election participants.

Farah Karimi, Special Co-ordinator of the short-term OSCE observer mission, stated that the concentration of criminal prosecutions against opposition representatives reinforced perceptions of the electoral process as selective justice. In turn, Jevrosima Pejović, Head of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly delegation, noted that the tense political atmosphere and polarization complicated the process for both voters and organizers.

At the same time, observers emphasized that the legislative framework generally provides a sufficient basis for democratic elections and described the work of the election administration as professional and efficient. Election day in the majority of polling stations was assessed positively.

The report separately highlights the active role of online campaigns, while emphasizing the limitations of their regulation and insufficient transparency. Despite the authorities' measures to combat disinformation, their effectiveness, according to observers, remained limited.

Attention is also drawn to persistent challenges in the area of campaign finance and the low level of women's participation in political life, despite existing quotas and incentives.

The report was prepared with the participation of the OSCE mission, including representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly, ODIHR, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.