Armenians Prioritize Peace Over Nationalism in Post-Nagorno-Karabakh Vote

Armenia’s Prime Minister Secures Victory in Election

Nikol Pashinyan, the current Prime Minister of Armenia, has secured a majority in the country’s parliamentary election, retaining his position as leader of the Civil Contract party. The results, announced on Sunday, show that Pashinyan received 49.8% of the vote, enough to maintain a parliamentary majority.

Pashinyan’s campaign focused on promoting a vision for Armenia’s future following the loss of the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan in 2023. The region’s loss was a significant blow to Pashinyan’s government and raised concerns about its ability to steer the country away from Russian influence.

Despite these challenges, Pashinyan’s campaign included a series of concerts around the country, which helped to drum up support for his vision. His governing party also secured 64 seats in the new parliament, out of a total of 105.

Analysts say that Pashinyan’s victory is seen as a test of his handling of the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis and his ability to steer Armenia away from Russian influence. Zaur Shiriyev, an analyst at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, noted that many Armenians are willing to give Pashinyan’s new vision a chance, which includes normalizing relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Richard Giragosian, director of the Yerevan-based Regional Studies Center, also commented on the election results, stating that nationalism is no longer resonating among the public, who are tired of conflict and war. The loss of Nagorno-Karabakh remains an “open wound,” but peace efforts took center stage in Pashinyan’s campaign.

The opposition forces, Strong Armenia and Armenia Alliance, won 41 seats combined in the new parliament, but analysts caution that their strength may be overstated due to internal divisions between their leaders. Svante Cornell, director of the Institute for Security and Development Policy, noted that the opposition represented a return to oligarchy, nationalism, and conflict, while Pashinyan’s government represents something different.

The election results demonstrate that Armenians are willing to move away from Russia’s influence and towards a new direction, analysts say. The country now looks set to reorient itself, signaling a willingness to build its future within internationally recognized borders.

Source: Al Jazeera