The party of Russian oligarch Samvel Karapetyan, Strong Armenia, has filed a request with Armenia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) to annul the June 7 parliamentary election. According to Ukrainska Pravda, the formation alleges massive violations during and before the vote. Strong Armenia received 23.2 percent of the vote, placing second.
Prime Minister Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party won the election with 49.8 percent, declaring a historic victory. Preliminary results give Pashinyan’s party 61 of 101 parliamentary seats, allowing it to govern alone without a coalition. The election took place amid increased Russian pressure on Yerevan, as Pashinyan pursues a pro-European course.
Karapetyan, who made his fortune in Russia, is currently under house arrest on charges of calling for a violent takeover. He dismisses the accusations as politically motivated. Strong Armenia bloc advocates close economic ties with Russia and accuses Pashinyan of provoking a conflict with the Kremlin through his policies.
Source: www.pravda.com.ua
