Armenia Opens 117 Criminal Cases Over Election-Related Violations

Armenia’s Investigative Committee has announced that 117 criminal cases have been initiated over alleged election-related violations between April and 3:00 p.m. on June 7.

According to the committee, criminal proceedings have been launched against 86 individuals as part of the investigations.

The largest number of cases—45 in total—concern allegations of coercion related to election campaigning or obstruction of campaign activities. Another 41 criminal cases involve interference with the organization of public gatherings or participation in them, as well as providing material incentives for attending such events.

The Investigative Committee also reported that eight cases are being examined for obstructing the exercise of electoral rights, while six cases relate to multiple voting or voting on behalf of another person. An additional six investigations concern violations of ballot secrecy.

Furthermore, nine criminal cases were opened over the concealment of information affecting the acquisition or retention of official status. One case involves the giving or receiving of electoral bribes, while another concerns a violation of restrictions on charitable activities during the election period.

Authorities stated that indictments in nine criminal cases involving 16 defendants have already been forwarded to court.

As part of the ongoing investigations, approximately 1,200 individuals have been questioned and nearly 280 searches have been conducted.

Parliamentary elections in Armenia were held on June 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A total of 18 political forces, including 16 parties and two electoral blocs, participated in the vote. The number of eligible voters stood at 2,505,102.

The electoral process was monitored by 13 domestic and eight international observation missions, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions and foreign electoral bodies. Video surveillance cameras were installed at 1,758 polling stations nationwide, while around 4,000 technical devices were used for the electronic registration of voters.