Armenians vote in parliamentary elections seen as ‘referendum on independence’
AI Summary
Armenia held parliamentary elections on Sunday as a geopolitical referendum, with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan—leading in polls—seeking to strengthen ties with the European Union and United States while loosening Armenia's traditional dependence on Russia. Russia responded by applying economic coercion, including boycotts of Armenian goods and threats of gas cutoffs, to maintain its influence over the former Soviet republic.
Armenians are voting on Sunday in parliamentary elections as the incumbent government, facing mounting pressure from Russia, seeks to loosen ties with Moscow and deepen cooperation with the West.
Speaking to residents, FRANCE 24's Olivia Bizot said the vote is widely being seen as a "referendum on independence".
One voter described the election as "existential" for Armenia, citing aggressive rhetoric from neighbouring countries.
Meanwhile, according to Western intelligence and government officials, Russia has stepped up covert efforts to undermine Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s bid for re-election next month, fearing that a victory could cement the former Soviet republic's realignment with the West. ...