Armenian Central Electoral Commission (CEC) Chairman Vahagn Hovakimyan says he is confident in his professional impartiality. He made the statement during a press conference on July 21.

Asked about the fact that he was one of the founders of the ruling Civil Contract party and that he may still share its political views despite leaving the party after being appointed CEC chairman, as well as whether he is considering resignation, Hovakimyan responded by presenting his biography, starting from 1996.

Listing key moments from his career, he said he has always advocated for free, fair, and transparent elections. As CEC chairman, he said he remains committed to these principles and works to ensure elections are conducted freely and fairly.

According to Hovakimyan, his former party affiliation does not prevent him from performing his duties.

“This is how it is in Europe. In any democratic country. Presenting former party affiliation as a sign of bias is the wrong approach. The Constitution provides for political non-affiliation during the period of holding office, not throughout a person’s entire life,” Hovakimyan said.

Asked about his current relationship with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Hovakimyan began speaking about his relationships with childhood friends. Nevertheless, he said that he last communicated with the prime minister privately more than a year ago. He added that they had met twice at official events last year.

“If at some point I come to the conclusion that I have made shortcomings in my work and caused serious harm to the country,” Hovakimyan said, referring to the possibility of resigning.