2018 Armenian parliamentary election
{{Short description|none}}
{{Infobox legislative election
| country = Armenia
| previous_election = 2017
| next_election = 2021
| election_date = 9 December 2018
| turnout = 48.62%
| seats_for_election= All 132 seats in the National Assembly
| majority_seats = 67
| party1 = My Step Alliance
| leader1 = Nikol Pashinyan
| last_election1 = 5
| seats1 = 88
| percentage1 = 70.44
| party2 = Prosperous Armenia
| leader2 = Gagik Tsarukyan
| last_election2 = 31
| seats2 = 26
| percentage2 = 8.26
| party3 =Bright Armenia
| leader3=Edmon Marukyan
| last_election3 = 3
| seats3 = 18
| percentage3 = 6.37
| title = Prime Minister
| before_election = Nikol Pashinyan (acting)
| before_party = Civil Contract
(Way Out Alliance)
| after_election = Nikol Pashinyan
| after_party = Civil Contract
(My Step Alliance)
}}{{Politics of Armenia}}
Snap parliamentary elections were held in Armenia on 9 December 2018,{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/armenian-parliament-forces-new-elections/29577063.html|title=Armenia Parliament Dissolved, Early Elections Set For December|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|access-date=10 December 2018}} as none of the parties in the National Assembly were able to put forward and then elect a candidate for Prime Minister in the two-week period following the resignation of incumbent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on 16 October.{{Cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20181010-exclusive-armenia-pm-pashinyan-resign-early-election|title=Exclusive: Armenian PM Pashinyan to resign for early election, he tells FRANCE 24 - France 24|date=2018-10-10|work=France 24|access-date=2018-10-11|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.armradio.am/en/2018/10/02/armenia-to-hold-snap-parliamentary-elections-in-december/|title=Armenia to hold snap parliamentary elections in December|date=2018-10-02|work=Public Radio of Armenia|access-date=2018-10-02|language=en-US}}{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/476064.html|title=Armenian PM announces resignation|website=News.am|access-date=10 December 2018}} They were the first elections after the 2018 revolution and the country's first-ever snap elections.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/485009.html|title=Armenians head to polls in first ever snap parliamentary election (PHOTOS)|website=News.am|access-date=10 December 2018}}
The result was a landslide victory for Pashinyan's My Step Alliance, which received 70% of the vote and won 88 of the 132 seats in the National Assembly.
Electoral system
{{See also|Elections in Armenia#National Assembly}}
The 101 members of the National Assembly are elected by party-list proportional representation. Seats are allocated using the d'Hondt method with an election threshold of 5% for parties and 7% for multi-party alliances.[http://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/?fa=62215 All Change in Armenia] Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 8 December 2015[http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/armenia/293546?download=true Parliamentary elections 2 April 2017: OSCE/ODIHR needs assessment mission report] Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe However, at least three political forces will pass into parliament regardless of the performance of the third best performing party or alliance.
The ballot paper has two sections; one of which is a closed list of candidates for the party at the national level and the other an open list of candidates for the constituency (of which there are 13) that the voter is voting in. Voters vote for a party at the national level and can also give a preference vote to any of the candidates for the same party in a district list. Seats are allocated to parties using their national share of the vote, with half awarded to those on the national list and half to those who receive the most preference votes on the district lists. Four seats are reserved for national minorities (Assyrians, Kurds, Russians and Yazidis), with parties having separate lists for the four groups. A gender quota requires at least 25% of a list to be male or female, and nationwide lists can't include more than three consecutive members of the same gender.
If a party receives a majority of the vote but wins less than 54% of the seats, they will be awarded additional seats to give them 54% of the total. If one party wins over two-thirds of the seats, the losing parties will be given extra seats reducing the share of seats of the winning party to two-thirds. If a government is not formed within six days of the preliminary results being released, a run-off round between the top two parties must be held within 28 days. The party that wins the run-off will be given the additional seats required for a 54% majority, with all seats allocated in the first round preserved.
=Proposed changes=
Before its resignation, the government submitted a bill to the National Assembly proposing modifications to the electoral system. These included lowering the thresholds for parties and electoral alliances to 4% and 6%, respectively, minimum representation of four political forces in the parliament (provided the fourth strongest receives at least 2% of the votes),{{cite web|url=https://news.am/arm/news/476733.html|title=Խորհրդարանում հայտնվելու համար չորրորդ ուժը պետք է ստանա ձայների գոնե 2 տոկոսը|website=News.am|language=hy|access-date=2018-10-19}} abolition of open lists of candidates from 13 regional constituencies{{Cite news|url=https://hetq.am/hy/article/97109|title=Կառավարությունն ընդունեց Ընտրական օրենսգրքում փոփոխություններ անելու որոշումը|website=Hetq.am|access-date=2018-10-20|language=hy}} leaving only nationwide closed lists and introduction of TV debates.{{cite web|url=https://www.rbc.ru/politics/16/10/2018/5bc60c5a9a7947077fb71e8e|title=Пашинян объявил об уходе с поста премьер-министра Армении|website=РБК|access-date=10 December 2018}} The bill sought to raise the minimum representation of each gender from 25% to 30% of the seats on a party list. On 22 October, a vote was held on the bill.{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/armenian-pm-accuses-lawmakers-of-sabotage-over-electoral-code-vote/29558034.html|title=Armenian PM Accuses Outgoing Lawmakers Of 'Sabotaging' Electoral Changes|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|language=en|access-date=2018-10-23}} Most members of the Republican Party (RPA) boycotted the vote; this meant that there were not enough MPs present to pass the bill into law (63). The final vote was 56 in favour, three against.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/477174.html|title=Armenia's Parliament fails to adopt Electoral Code amendments|website=News.am|language=en|access-date=2018-10-23}}{{Cite news|url=https://hetq.am/en/article/97404|title=Parliament Fails to Pass Government-Backed Bill to Modify Electoral Code; Pashinyan Accuses His Opponents of Sabotage|website=Hetq.am|access-date=2018-10-23|language=en}} RPA deputy chairman Armen Ashotian insisted that the electoral system must not be changed less than two months before the elections, as this would amount to "building democracy in the country with undemocratic methods". The Pashinyan government submitted the bill to parliament a second time, and it was discussed on 29 October.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/477838.html|title=Armenia Parliament committee approves election law amendment bill for 2nd time|website=News.am|language=en|access-date=2018-10-26}} Once again, the bill failed to receive enough votes, and as a result the election took place according to the legislation created by the RPA-era government.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/478286.html|title=Armenian lawmakers fail to adopt amendments to Electoral Code yet again|website=News.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-06}}
List of participating parties and alliances
Parties and electoral alliances were required to inform the CEC of their participation in the election and submit the corresponding documents by 6:00 pm on 14 November.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/478992.html|title=Campaign for Armenia snap parliamentary elections to start on November 26|website=News.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-06}}{{cite web|url=http://res.elections.am/images/doc/timetable09.12.18_en.pdf|title=TIMETABLE FOR THE PREPARATION AND CONDUCT OF THE MAIN ACTIVITIES FOR THE EARLY ELECTIONS TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF DECEMBER 9, 2018|website=Res.elections.am|access-date=10 December 2018}} In total, nine parties and two alliances (listed below in accordance with their number on the ballot paper){{cite web|url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2018/11/19/cec-number/1493503|title=CEC decides under what number political forces to participate in snap parliamentary elections - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia|website=Aysor.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-20}} participated in the election:{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/481106.html|title=11 political forces are running in Armenia early elections|website=News.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-14}}{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/481857.html|title=Armenia's Central Electoral Commission registers proportional lists of all 11 political forces|website=News.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-20}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/eleven-political-parties-register-armenian-parliamentary-elections/29601516.html|title=Eleven Political Parties Register For Armenia's Parliamentary Elections|website=Rferl.org|language=en|access-date=2018-11-15}}
Declined participation or failed to register
The following parties declined to participate in the election or failed to register: Alternative Party, Armenian Communist Party,{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/481046.html|title=Armenian communists boycott early elections|website=News.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-14}} Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar),{{cite web|url=https://www.aravot.am/2018/11/14/993270/|title=ՌԱԿ-ն իր անդամներին և համակիրներին կոչ է անում իրենց ձայնը տալ "Իմ քայլը" դաշինքին|website=Aravot.am|access-date=10 December 2018}} Armenian National Congress, Dignified Future,{{cite web|url=https://www.aravot.am/2018/11/14/993244/|title=Երկրի զարգացման այս հանգրվանում որոշում է կայացվել չմասնակցել արտահերթ խորհրդարանական ընտրություններին․ Արժանապատիվ ապագա կուսակցություն|website=Aravot.am|access-date=10 December 2018}} Dignified Way Party, Democratic Party of Armenia,{{cite web|url=https://news.am/arm/news/479374.html|title=ՀԴԿ-ն հնարավոր է բոյկոտի արտահերթը. Արամ Սարգսյանը "ուրիշ խաղեր ու հաշվարկներ" է տեսնում|website=News.am|language=hy|access-date=2018-11-13}}{{cite web|url=https://news.am/arm/news/480806.html|title=Հայաստանի դեմոկրատական կուսակցությունը որոշել է բոյկոտել ընտրությունները|website=News.am|language=hy|access-date=2018-11-13}} European Party of Armenia, For Social Justice,{{cite web|url=https://www.panorama.am/ru/news/2018/11/12/%D0%92%D0%BE-%D0%B8%D0%BC%D1%8F-%D1%81%D0%BE%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B9-%D1%81%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8-%D0%B2%D1%8B%D0%B1%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%8B-%D0%90%D1%80%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F/2031879|title=Партия "Во имя социальной справедливости" не примет участие во внеочередных выборах в НС Армении|website=Panorama.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-12}} Green Party of Armenia, Heritage,{{cite web|url=https://www.aravot.am/2018/11/13/993100/ |title="Ժառանգություն" կուսակցության վարչությունը որոշել է չմասնակցել խորհրդարանական արտահերթ ընտրություններին | Առավոտ - Լուրեր Հայաստանից |website=Aravot.am |date=2015-01-19 |access-date=2018-12-10}} Social Justice Party,{{cite web|url=https://factor.am/99110.html|title="Արդարություն" կուսակցության քաղխորհուրդը որոշեց՝ առանձին ցուցակով կամ դաշինքով չմասնակցել ընտրություններին|website=Factor.am|access-date=10 December 2018}} Liberal Democratic Union of Armenia,{{Cite web|url=https://armenpress.am/arm/news/954502.html|title=ՀԺԱՄ-ը չի մասնակցի ԱԺ արտահերթ ընտրություններին}} National Agenda Party, National Democratic Union,{{cite web|url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2018/11/08/national-democrats/1488324|title=National Democratic party not to participate in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia|website=Aysor.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-11}} People's Party of Armenia,{{cite web|url=http://www.aniarc.am/2018/11/12/levon-demirjian-elections-2018/|title=Լևոն Տեր-Պետրոսյանի ՀԱԿ-ը և Ստեփան Դեմիրճյանի ՀԺԿ-ն չեն մասնակցի դեկտեմբերի 9-ի ընտրությանը |trans-title=Levon Ter-Petrosyan's ANC and Stepan Demirchyan's People's Party will not participate in the December 9 election |website=ANI Armenian Research Center|date=12 November 2018|access-date=14 November 2018}} Unified Armenians Party, Union for National Self-Determination,{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/480036.html|title=Union for National Self-Determination to participate in Armenia early elections|website=News.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-12}} Yerkir Tsirani (Apricot Country Party).{{cite web|url=https://news.am/arm/news/481032.html|title="Երկիր Ծիրանին" մերժում է "ՀՀ խորհրդարանական ընտրություններ" անվանումով կեղծ նախաձեռնությունը|website=News.am|language=hy|access-date=2018-11-14}}
Criticism
Some politicians and analysts criticized the date of the election based on the fact that an amended Electoral Code was not passed by the parliament. Paruyr Hayrikyan, the leader of Union for National Self-Determination, expects the elections to be "antidemocratic".
Vazgen Manukyan, the leader of National Democratic Union, said while they were preparing for elections in spring, elections in December were too close prepare for. He also said that they "do not consider that the hasty elections will promote the establishment of stable political field".{{cite web|url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2018/11/08/national-democrats/1488324|title=National Democratic party not to participate in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia|website=Aysor.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-12}}
Aram Gaspar Sargsyan, leader of the Democratic Party of Armenia, has declared that the DPA is abstaining from participation in the election,{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}} amidst concerns that, because of Pashinyan's failure to rewrite the RPA-era electoral code, new authorities will likely exploit the current version over the electoral code with amendments. He also stated, that "this election will be the same charade as in 2017".
Some critics believed that the current legislation favored the Republican Party of Armenia in the previous parliamentary election.{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/29570598.html|title=In Setback For Pashinian, Armenian Parliament Again Fails To Pass Election Bill|website=Rferl.org|language=en|access-date=2018-11-06}} The country's former ruling party, commanded a majority in the National Assembly prior to the elections, initially called for elections to take place in summer 2019 in order to give the parties time to prepare for elections and make amendments to Armenia's electoral code.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/474230.html|title=RPA: Prime MInister broke his promise|website=News.am|access-date=4 October 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://armenianweekly.com/2018/10/03/pashinyan-and-parliament-at-odds-over-early-snap-elections-as-arf-loses-ministerial-footing/|title=Pashinyan and Parliament At Odds Over Early Snap Elections as ARF Loses Ministerial Footing|date=3 October 2018|work=The Armenian Weekly|access-date=4 October 2018}}
Campaign
=Debates=
Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan proposed to form a tradition of holding live pre-election debates involving the top figures of all forces participating in the elections.{{Cite news|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/954027.html|title=Pashinyan proposes to set pre-election debate on live broadcast by legislation|website=Armenpress.am|access-date=2018-11-12|language=en}}
On 28 November, vice chairman of the Republican Party Vigen Sargsyan invited Pashinyan to take part in a live TV debate{{cite web|url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2018/11/28/sargsyan-pashinyan/1496872|title=Vigen Sargsyan invites acting PM Nikol Pashinyan to debate - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia|website=Aysor.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-28}} but the proposal was turned down by Pashinyan.{{cite web|url=https://www.azatutyun.am/a/29626681.html|title=Pashinian Refuses TV Debate With Republican Leader|website=Azatutyun.am|language=hy|access-date=2018-11-29}}
Leaders of all eleven participating parties took part in a live debate that was hosted by Armenian Public Television on 5 December.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/484712.html|title=Leaders of 11 political forces take part in exclusive election debate live on Public Television|website=News.am|language=en|access-date=2018-12-06}}
=Alleged violations=
==Independent reports==
On 28 November, it was reported that a working group set up by Human Rights Defender of Armenia revealed several violations, such as using insults and intolerance to influence others' opinions.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/arm/news/483314.html|title=Օմբուդսմենը նախընտրական քարոզչության ընթացքում մի շարք խախտումներ է արձանագրել|website=News.am|access-date=2018-11-28}}
Former Ombudsman Larisa Alaverdyan said that black PR has been used from the first days of the campaign, and called on all participants to move to a positive field. Also she mentioned that unlike in previous years, the early start of campaign is not regarded as a violation of law by the CEC.{{cite web|url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2018/11/28/larisa-alaverdyan/1496808|title=Election campaign rather tough and negative: ex Ombudsman - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia|website=Aysor.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-28}}
Also on 28 November, newspaper Zhamanak reported that in Yerevan some posters of Bright Armenia party had been torn down and replaced with My Step Alliance posters.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/483287.html|title=Newspaper: My Step alliance tears down Bright Armenia Party posters, posts its own instead|website=News.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-28}}
==Claimed by campaign participants==
On 27 November, the Republican Party said that some of the acting PM's statements during the election campaign were clear examples of hate speech.{{cite web|url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2018/11/28/aram-sargsyan-son/1496745|title=Republic party chairman's son involved in car crash, transported to hospital - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia|website=Aysor.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-28}}
Endorsements
{{expand section|date=December 2018}}
;My Step Alliance
- Sos Janibekyan, actor{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/nikol.pashinyan/videos/546326132460811/|title=Nikol Pashinyan / Նիկոլ Փաշինյան|website=Facebook.com|access-date=10 December 2018}}
;Sasna Tsrer
- Hasmik Papian, soprano{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n2c6NzP834|title=Ես չեմ կարող չհավատալ իրենց ազնվությանը. Հասմիկ Պապյանը՝ Սասնա Ծռերի մասին|access-date=10 December 2018|publisher=YouTube}}{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/hasmik.papian.5/posts/10213402443879140|title=Hasmik Papian|website=Facebook.com|access-date=10 December 2018}}
- Ara Papian, former diplomat{{cite web|url=http://politik.am/ես-սատարելու-եմ-սասնա-ծռեր-կուսակցութ/|title=Ես սատարելու եմ Սասնա ծռեր կուսակցությանը, ցավոք, չեմ կարող առաջադրվել. Արա Պապյան|date=13 November 2018|website=Politik.am|access-date=10 December 2018}}
;We Alliance
Opinion polls
| align=right
| |
| class="wikitable" |
| rowspan=2| Poller
!rowspan=2| Date of Polling ! Yelk ! RPA ! PAP ! ARF ! Heritage |
|---|
| style="background:{{party color|My Step Alliance}};"|
! style="background:{{party color|Bright Armenia}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|Way Out Alliance}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|Republican Party of Armenia}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|Prosperous Armenia}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|Armenian Revolutionary Federation}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|Sasna Tsrer}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|Heritage (Armenia)}};"| |
| Gallup International/MPG{{cite web|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/957095.html|title=69.4% of voters say will vote in favor of My Step alliance during upcoming elections – GALLUP poll|website=Armenpress.am|access-date=10 December 2018}}
| style="text-align:center;"| December 1–4, 2018 |style="background:#F8C1BE" | {{center|69.4}} | style="text-align:center;"| 3.8 | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| 1.3 | style="text-align:center;"| 5.7 | style="text-align:center;"| 1.2 | style="text-align:center;"| 1.4 | style="text-align:center;"| — |
| Gallup International/MPG{{cite web|url=https://mediamax.am/am/news/society/31278/|title=Հարցվածների 68,3%-ը պատրաստ է քվեարկել "Իմ քայլը" դաշինքի օգտին|website=Mediamax.am|access-date=10 December 2018}}
| style="text-align:center;"| November 17–21, 2018 |style="background:#F8C1BE" | {{center|68.3}} | style="text-align:center;"| 1.2 | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| 1.5 | style="text-align:center;"| 6.7 | style="text-align:center;"| 1 | style="text-align:center;"| 0.9 | style="text-align:center;"| — |
| IRI{{cite web|url=https://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/2018.11.23_armenia_poll.pdf|title=Public Opinion Survey : Residents of Armenia|date=October 2018|website=Iri.org|access-date=10 December 2018}}
| style="text-align:center;"| October 9–29, 2018 |style="background:#F8C1BE" | {{center|67}} | style="text-align:center;"| 10 | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| 2 | style="text-align:center;"| 9 | style="text-align:center;"| 2 | style="text-align:center;"| 3 | style="text-align:center;"| <1 |
| IRI{{cite web|url=https://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/2018.10.9_armenia_poll_presentation.pdf|title=Public Opinion Survey : Residents of Armenia : July to August 2018|website=Iri.org|access-date=10 December 2018}}
| style="text-align:center;"| July 23–August 15, 2018 | colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| with Yelk |style="background:#FFEBBF" | {{center|66}} | style="text-align:center;"| 4 | style="text-align:center;"| 13 | style="text-align:center;"| 2 | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| 1 |
| Gallup International/MPG{{cite web|url=http://arka.am/en/news/politics/pashinyan_s_yelk_would_get_75_of_votes_if_snap_elections_were_held_next_sunday_poll_says/|title=Pashinyan's Yelk would get 75% of votes if snap elections were held next Sunday, poll says|website=ARKA News Agency|access-date=10 December 2018}}
| style="text-align:center;"| May 4–9, 2018 | colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| with Yelk |style="background:#FFEBBF" | {{center|75}} | style="text-align:center;"| 3.8 | style="text-align:center;"| 3.2 | style="text-align:center;"| 1.9 | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| 0.4 |
Electoral Assistance
In response to a formal request from the Government of Armenia, the European Union as well as the Governments of Germany, the United Kingdom, and Sweden agreed to provide financial and electoral assistance prior to and during the election.{{cite web|url=https://www.am.undp.org/content/armenia/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2018/international-community-supports-electoral-processes-in-armenia.html|title=International Community Supports Electoral Processes in Armenia|publisher=www.am.undp.org|access-date=31 December 2019}}
The US Embassy in Armenia also announced that the United States and USAID would provide financial assistance and collaboration with the Government of Armenia ahead of the parliamentary elections, including the September 2018 signing of an $8.6 million, four-year agreement to support the integrity of Armenian elections.{{cite web|url=https://am.usembassy.gov/elections-assistance/|title=U.S. Embassy Officials Discuss Elections Assistance with Armenia's Central Electoral Commission|date=21 November 2018|publisher=am.usembassy.gov|access-date=31 December 2019}}
Monitoring
OSCE/ODIHR will conduct a large-scale observation mission. Observers from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will join the observation mission later.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/480736.html|title=OSCE/ODIHR plans large-scale observation mission in Armenia|website=News.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-13}} There will be over 200 short-term observers.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/480736.html|title=OSCE/ODIHR plans large-scale observation mission in Armenia|website=news.am|access-date=2018-11-13}}
Observers from all four factions of the Russian parliament will also take part in the monitoring.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/481861.html|title=Members of Russian State Duma to observe early parliamentary elections in Armenia|website=News.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-20}}
Voting at 1,500 polling stations (where over 90% of voters are registered) out of 2010 will be broadcast live.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/481297.html|title=Voting process in 1500 polling stations out of 2010 to be broadcast live during Armenia's early elections|website=News.am|language=en|access-date=2018-11-16}}
Head of the European Union permanent delegation to Armenia, ambassador Piotr Switalski has declared that Armenia has managed to achieve the highest standards of freedom of speech following the Velvet Revolution. According to the diplomat, the country now ensures freedom of expression and assembly. Switalski said he hopes it will be possible to minimize hate speech during the election campaign.{{cite web|url=http://www.panarmenian.net/m/eng/news/262703|title=PanARMENIAN.Net - Mobile|website=Panarmenian.net|access-date=2018-11-24}}
Results
File:2018 Armenian parliamentary election Nikol.png{{Further|List of members of the seventh National Assembly of Armenia|topic=the 7th National Assembly}}File:2018 Armenian parliamentary election BHK.png
Turnout was 48.62%, 12 percent lower than the 2017 elections.{{cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/485414.html|title=Armenia elections: Final voter turnout was less than 50%|website=News.am|access-date=10 December 2018}}
All the four seats reserved for national minorities (Assyrians, Kurds, Russians and Yazidis) were won by My Step Alliance.{{Cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/486541.html|title=CEC announces final results of early parliamentary elections|website=news.am|language=en|access-date=2018-12-16}}
The result was somewhat ironic for the Republican Party, as even though they would have lost seats regardless, if the electoral reform law they had boycotted earlier in the year had been allowed to move forward, they would have successfully exceeded the new 4% threshold for parties and obtained seats. Instead, they failed to reach the current 5% threshold, and received no seats.
|party1=My Step Alliance|votes1=884864|seats1=88|sc1=+83
|party2=Prosperous Armenia|votes2=103801|seats2=26|sc2=–5
|party3=Bright Armenia|votes3=80047|seats3=18|sc3=+15
|party4=Republican Party|votes4=59083|seats4=0|sc4=–58
|party5=Armenian Revolutionary Federation|votes5=48816|seats5=0|sc5=–7
|party6=We Alliance|votes6=25176|seats6=0|sc6=–1|color6={{party color|Hanrapetutyun Party}}
|party7=Sasna Tsrer|votes7=22868|seats7=0|sc7=New
|party8=Orinats Yerkir|votes8=12393|seats8=0|sc8=0
|party9=Citizen's Decision|votes9=8514|seats9=0|sc9=New|color9=
|party10=Christian-Democratic Rebirth Party|votes10=6458|seats10=0|sc10=New|color10=#085985
|party11=National Progress Party|votes11=4121|seats11=0|sc11=New|color11=#000000
|invalid=4706
|total_sc=+27
|electorate=2593140
|source=[https://res.elections.am/images/doc/09.12.18v.pdf CEC]
}}
=By electoral district=
| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right"
!Electoral district !RPA !CDP !ARF !BAP !CDRP !NPP !WE !OY !ST !PAP |
| align=left|1 - Yerevan Districts Avan, Nor Nork & Kanaker-Zeytun
|6.96% |0.91% |2.24% |70.16% |7.94% |0.81% |0.42% |1.48% |1.04% |2.35% |5.70% |
| align=left|2 - Yerevan Districts Ajapnyak, Arabkir & Davtashen
|7.99% |1.12% |2.61% |70.28% |7.32% |0.66% |0.32% |1.99% |0.93% |2.58% |4.21% |
| align=left|3 - Yerevan Districts Malatia-Sebastia & Shengavit
|4.37% |1.07% |1.50% |76.83% |7.39% |0.62% |0.38% |1.62% |1.11% |1.87% |3.24% |
| align=left|4 - Yerevan Districts Erebuni, Kentron, Nork-Marash & Nubarashen
|6.47% |0.95% |2.17% |71.10% |7.53% |0.70% |0.34% |1.93% |0.70% |2.49% |5.62% |
| align=left|5 - Ararat
|6.40% |0.35% |2.45% |72.60% |3.91% |0.33% |0.23% |2.47% |1.42% |1.68% |8.15% |
| align=left|6 - Armavir
|2.56% |0.37% |3.91% |67.11% |8.45% |0.39% |0.24% |3.25% |0.48% |1.69% |11.55% |
| align=left|7 - Aragatsotn
|2.09% |0.82% |6.32% |68.97% |6.69% |0.25% |0.23% |1.16% |1.82% |1.45% |10.20% |
| align=left|8 - Gegharkunik
|2.76% |0.27% |7.05% |70.75% |4.74% |0.26% |0.36% |2.14% |1.46% |1.60% |8.61% |
| align=left|9 - Lori
|7.07% |0.29% |2.53% |69.33% |8.14% |0.33% |0.20% |0.83% |1.26% |1.79% |8.23% |
| align=left|10 - Kotayk
|3.54% |0.43% |4.16% |67.71% |3.55% |0.66% |0.58% |1.19% |0.48% |1.23% |16.47% |
| align=left|11 - Shirak
|2.93% |0.30% |6.47% |65.86% |8.13% |0.64% |0.12% |1.79% |0.89% |2.09% |10.78% |
| align=left|12 - Vayots Dzor and Syunik
|3.22% |0.70% |4.70% |72.60% |4.64% |0.55% |0.38% |3.63% |0.52% |1.17% |7.88% |
| align=left|13 - Tavush
|2.38% |1.94% |7.27% |73.92% |3.50% |0.31% |0.49% |3.02% |1.06% |1.43% |4.68% |
| align=left colspan=12|Source: [https://res.elections.am/images/doc/result09.12.18bydistrictsv.pdf CEC] |
Reactions
;Local
Catholicos Karekin II congratulated all parties, called the outcome of the elections a "milestone" and stated that he was praying for successes of the new Parliament.{{cite web|url=https://www.armradio.am/en/2171|title=Parliamentary election in Armenia a milestone, Catholicos says|website=Armradio.am|access-date=10 December 2018}}
;International
- {{flag|European Union}}: The EU stated that, "These elections were held with respect for fundamental freedoms and enjoyed broad public trust that needs to be preserved through further electoral reforms. The European Union is committed to a stable, democratic and prosperous future of Armenia. The early parliamentary elections were important in terms of enhancing public trust towards the electoral process in Armenia. We expect all stakeholders to continue concerted efforts towards further democratisation and modernisation of the country."{{Cite web |url=https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/55181/statement-spokesperson-early-parliamentary-elections-armenia_en |title=Statement by the Spokesperson on the early parliamentary elections in Armenia - European External Action Service |access-date=2019-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707035249/https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/55181/statement-spokesperson-early-parliamentary-elections-armenia_en |archive-date=2019-07-07 |url-status=dead }}
- {{flag|Council of Europe}}: The Council of Europe commented that, "As a result of the democratic elections held in Armenia, the Government and the Parliament of Armenia won the citizens’ full confidence and mandate." The CoE further welcomed the steps taken by the Government of Armenia to implement radical reforms in the judicial-legal sphere and went on to note that they expect Armenia and the CoE to discuss further steps and actions of bilateral cooperation.{{cite web|url=http://arka.am/en/news/society/council_of_europe_pledges_full_support_to_justice_system_reforms_in_armenia_/|title=Council of Europe pledges full support to justice system reforms in Armenia|website=ARKA News Agency|access-date=26 June 2019}}
- 25px Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe: "The early parliamentary elections in Armenia were held with respect for fundamental freedoms and enjoyed broad public trust that needs to be preserved through further electoral reforms, the OSCE international observers concluded. The media environment is diverse and the freedom of expression, guaranteed by the Constitution, was respected."{{cite web|url=http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/263336/|title=Armenia elections respected fundamental freedoms: OSCE|website=PanARMENIAN.Net|access-date=26 June 2019}}
- {{flag|United Nations}}: The United Nations praised this year's peaceful transition of power following the elections and urged the country's new leadership to stay the course in pursuing a strengthened democratic system based on human rights, a culture of dialogue and strong independent institutions.{{cite web|url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=23886&LangID=E|title=Armenia: UN human rights expert lauds peaceful transition|publisher=ohchr.org/|access-date=31 December 2019}}
- {{flag|United States}}: The Department of State congratulated the people of Armenia on the conduct of the elections.{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/press-releases/|title=Press Releases|access-date=26 June 2019}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.elections.am/parliamentary/ Central Electoral Commission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522214942/http://www.elections.am/parliamentary/ |date=2017-05-22 }}
- [https://www.evnreport.com/elections/primer-snap-parliamentary-elections-2018 Participating political forces and their top 10 candidates] EVN Report
{{Armenian elections}}