Who’s Running
With the 2026 Armenian parliamentary elections just a few months away, the political atmosphere in Armenia is beginning to intensify. While the campaign period has not yet formally begun, a number of political forces are already positioning themselves for prominent roles.
In October, 301 compiled an initial report outlining the emerging political field. The following is an updated version, reflecting recent developments, alliances and confirmed participation ahead of the June 7, 2026 elections.
The upcoming vote will determine not only the composition of the National Assembly, but also the prime minister. The 2021 elections resulted in Nikol Pashinyan retaining power, and he is expected to seek another term in 2026.
Civil Contract
The ruling Civil Contract party, led by Nikol Pashinyan, currently holds a majority in the National Assembly, with 69 out of 107 seats, after receiving 53.95% of the vote in the 2021 elections.
Since coming to power in 2018, the party has positioned itself around reform, modernization and economic development. At the same time, its time in office has coincided with multiple wars, significant security challenges, territorial losses and surrendering, and the forced displacement of the Armenian population of Artsakh following the events of 2023.
Looking ahead to 2026, Civil Contract is expected to center its campaign on structural reforms, governance changes and foreign policy priorities.
Armenia Alliance
The Armenia Alliance, led by former president Robert Kocharyan, remains one of the main opposition forces. The alliance includes the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and allied groups.
Kocharyan has been nominated as the alliance’s candidate for prime minister. The bloc is expected to focus its campaign on governance, security and foreign policy issues.
Strong Armenia
Businessman and political prisoner Samvel Karapetyan is associated with the Strong Armenia party, which emerged from the Our Way (Mer Dzevov) movement.
While Karapetyan is currently ineligible for the premiership due to holding multiple citizenships, his team has indicated that it would pursue constitutional changes if it secures sufficient political support.
Prosperous Armenia
Gagik Tsarukyan’s Prosperous Armenia party is expected to participate alongside allied political forces.
These include the Mother Armenia party led by Andranik Tevanyan and the Democratic Alternative party led by Suren Surenyants, among others.
The group is currently coordinating under the Proposal to Armenia (Arajark Hayastanin) initiative, though it remains unclear whether they will run as a unified party or an alliance. No candidate has been announced.
Armenian National Congress
The Armenian National Congress, led by Armenia’s first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan, has confirmed its participation.
Levon Zourabian has been named as the party’s candidate for prime minister. Zourabian also expressed their readiness to pursue opposition consolidation with other parties ahead of the elections.
Wings of Unity
Former Human Rights Defender Armen Tatoyan has founded the Wings of Unity party.
The party is allied with the HayaQve initiative led by Avetik Chalabyan and the Shant Alliance led by Shahen Harutyunyan.
New Force
Former Yerevan mayor Hayk Marutyan has launched the New Force (Nor Ouzh) party.
The party has been presented as a social-democratic force focused on addressing socio-economic issues and governance reforms.
Republic Party
Former prime minister Aram Sargsyan will represent the Republic Party, which is generally associated with pro-European positioning.
Country of Living
The Country of Living party, co-founded by Mane Tandilyan, has indicated its intention to participate in the elections.
Against All (Bolorin Dem Em)
The newly formed Against All party is campaigning on a platform focused on electoral reform, including lowering thresholds and introducing an “against all” option on ballots.
Scale (Nzhar) Movement
Rights activist Nina Karapetyants is leading the Scale (Nzhar) constitutional movement, which is expected to participate in the elections.
Republican Party / With Honor
Former president Serzh Sargsyan leads the Republican Party, which forms the core of the With Honor (Pativ Unem) alliance.
The party has not yet confirmed whether it will participate in the 2026 elections. A final decision is expected to be announced at an upcoming party congress.
Context
The 2026 elections are expected to play a major role in shaping Armenia’s political direction. Key issues include governance, security, regional relations and the country’s broader strategic orientation.
As the election approaches, further developments, alliances and candidate announcements are expected to clarify the political landscape.
