Armenia Ahead of a Pivotal Parliamentary Election

Armenia is heading into a pivotal parliamentary election of broader regional significance. Rarely has the international community paid such close attention to a vote in the South Caucasus republic. Trump offers praise, Putin issues warnings, Aliyev makes demands, and the European Union is deploying a new mission to support the country - seen as a democratic frontrunner in an otherwise largely authoritarian neighborhood - in combating disinformation and cyberattacks. Domestically, the country is experiencing a highly polarized campaign marked by fierce political confrontation. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his Civil Contract party appear to have a strong chance of securing another mandate.