Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Russia, Ella Pamfilova, referring to the parliamentary elections held in Armenia on June 7, stated that the country, in its efforts to move closer to the European Union (EU), has “quite moved away” from democratic standards.

At the same time, as per Pamfilova, given the “complete decay” of democratic institutions in Europe, Armenia is probably already ready for such a move.

According to her, the Russian observers who followed the election process in Armenia “have a basis for comparison with the past, since many of them have visited there before.”

“It is obvious that Armenia has quite moved away, figuratively speaking, from democratic standards, although it strives and believes that it is ready to move towards that Europe. Probably, given the complete decay of democratic institutions there [in Europe] that has already begun; [Armenia] is ready for it. Perhaps it is going the right way there. After all, it is not our [i.e. Russia’s] business. I think the people of Armenia themselves will draw all the necessary conclusions," the head of the Russian CEC said.