PACE calls on Armenia to strengthen protection against external interference
The delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which was in Yerevan on a two-day visit from May 11 to 12, issued a statement emphasizing that the parliamentary elections in Armenia scheduled for June 7, 2026, should take place in an environment free from fear, undue external influence, and abuse of administrative resources.
As Armenpress reports, in the statement published following the visit to Armenia, the PACE delegation in particular expressed concern over the increasingly complex and systemic nature of external interference affecting Armenia’s political and information spheres.
In its statement, the PACE delegation also called on the Armenian authorities to step up efforts to protect against external interference and to ensure a level playing field for all participants. “The delegation found that external interference has gone beyond traditional disinformation and now includes illicit political financing, cyberattacks, economic coercion, and outright attempts to manipulate the electoral process. This hybrid tactic is aimed not only at influencing public opinion but also at securing long-term geopolitical leverage over Armenia.”
“The delegation was informed of direct and unambiguous requests from the president of Russia to the prime minister of Armenia to facilitate voting by members of the Armenian diaspora from Russia, as well as financial incentives provided by the main opposition party to this part of the diaspora to visit Armenia and vote on election day,” the statement said.
It is noted that the delegation stressed that such interference represents a constant and adaptive threat that extends far beyond the electoral period.
“The delegation also noted declarative support for the ruling party from some Western partners,” the statement said. The delegation welcomed Armenia’s legal and regulatory framework aimed at countering undue influence. “The delegation considers it essential to strengthen institutional capacity, improve inter-agency coordination, and increase transparency in the financing of political campaigns. Looking at the broader pre-election environment, the delegation also expressed concern over the rise of disinformation targeting human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society organizations. Such stories accusing them of being ‘foreign agents’ undermine public trust and restrict civic space,” the statement said.
“The delegation also noted the unprecedented involvement of the Armenian Apostolic Church in politics. Transparency and accountability in the financing of election campaigns remain crucial, especially in light of recent legislative changes that raised donation limits without fully eliminating gaps in oversight,” the PACE delegates emphasized.
As the delegation explained, protecting the integrity of elections requires cooperation between national authorities, civil society, and international partners, as well as responsible actions by digital platforms. “The delegation welcomed the constructive cooperation between Armenian authorities and stakeholders ahead of the June 7, 2026 elections, recognizing the importance of the vote for Armenia’s democratic and geopolitical development, especially in the context of ongoing efforts to establish peace and regional transformations. The delegation heard statements about double standards in the judicial system, with opposition representatives expressing dissatisfaction over the large number of politicians and clergy under investigation or house arrest,” the statement said.
