Armenians vote in parliamentary election

Polling stations have opened across Armenia as voters cast their ballots in a parliamentary election expected to shape the country's political future and geopolitical orientation.

Voting began at 8:00 a.m. local time and will continue until 8:00 p.m., when polling stations close and vote counting begins.

A total of 18 political forces — including 16 parties and two electoral alliances — are competing for seats in the 107-member National Assembly, Armenia's parliament.

Under Armenia's electoral system, political parties must secure at least four per cent of the vote to enter parliament, while electoral blocs face an eight per cent threshold.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his ruling Civil Contract party are seeking to retain power and secure a parliamentary majority. Recent opinion polls have placed Civil Contract in first place with support of around 33 per cent of voters.

Among the main challengers are several opposition parties and alliances that advocate closer relations with Russia. One of the most prominent figures is Samvel Karapetyan, associated with the Strong Armenia movement, who is currently under house arrest on charges linked to an alleged attempt to overthrow the government.

Former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan is also contesting the election through the Armenia Alliance, while businessman Gagik Tsarukyan's Prosperous Armenia party is among the other major opposition contenders.