Zakharova: Armenia’s elections held under “unprecedented pressure”

Moscow — Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has claimed that Armenia’s recent elections were conducted under “unprecedented pressure” on the opposition, alongside what she described as interference from Western countries.

Speaking on Sputnik Radio, Zakharova said the electoral process was marked by “unprecedented pressure on the opposition,” adding that such conditions, in her view, were being implemented as part of an open political approach by the Armenian government.

“At the same time, Western interference, in my opinion, has been unprecedented for this region in the context of electoral processes,” she stated.

Her comments come amid ongoing political debate surrounding Armenia’s parliamentary elections, which saw Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his ruling Civil Contract Party secure victory.

Earlier, Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office launched a criminal case against businessman and opposition Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan on tax evasion charges, further intensifying domestic political tensions.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) observers noted in their preliminary findings that opposition candidates faced pressure during the campaign period, including alleged threats linked to the electoral environment.

The Armenian authorities have not officially responded to Zakharova’s latest statements.