Armenia’s Constitutional Court has begun hearing petitions filed by seven political forces seeking to overturn or revise the results of the June 7 parliamentary elections.
The court is considering seven petitions in a single proceeding filed by the “Strong Armenia” Alliance, “Prosperous Armenia” Party, “Armenia” Alliance, “Wings of Unity” Party, “Democracy, Law, Discipline” Party, the “For the Republic” Alliance of Democracy Defenders Party, and the “New Power” Reformist Party. While all seven are contesting the election outcome, several are asking the court to invalidate the election results, while others have additionally requested a second round of voting or other remedies.
The proceedings follow weeks of legal and political disputes over the election, including massive recounts, the invalidation of three polling stations, opposition protests outside the Central Electoral Commission, and multiple court challenges after the CEC finalized the results on June 14. Opposition parties argue the election was marred by widespread electoral violations and politically motivated actions that undermined the legitimacy of the final results.
A heavy police presence was deployed outside the Constitutional Court as the hearing got underway. Supporters gathered carrying protest banners and photographs of political prisoners, while Central Electoral Commission Chair Vahagn Hovakimyan appeared before the court on behalf of the commission.
At the opening of the hearing, the court considered whether Constitutional Court judges Seda Safaryan and David Khachatouryan should participate in the case. No member of the court objected, and Constitutional Court Chair Arman Dilanyan declared the matter closed.
The issue drew particular attention because Safaryan was a parliamentary candidate for the “For the Republic” Party in the 2021 elections, despite previously stating that she had not engaged in party political activity. Opposition parties have questioned the impartiality of both judges and argue that their participation raises concerns about the political neutrality of the proceedings.
The Constitutional Court is expected to announce its ruling on July 4.
