Armenia Votes to Move Closer to Europe
Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan won Sunday's election. His Civil Contract party got about 49.81% of the vote.
The party will take a majority of seats in parliament. Three other parties also won seats.
Voter turnout was 59%. The result is seen as a push toward closer ties with Europe.
It happened despite threats from Russia and claims of Russian interference. This was Armenia's first election since its 2023 military defeat by Azerbaijan. The main opposition party wants Armenia to stay close to Russia.
Klear Note — Armenia borders Russia and Europe. Recent military loss to Azerbaijan pushed some Armenians toward Europe. Russia opposes closer European ties.
Key Terms 4
- Civil Contract Pashinyan's political party that won the election
- opposition The parties that ran against the winning party
- parliament The group of elected people who make Armenia's laws
- Azerbaijan A neighbouring country that defeated Armenia in a 2023 war