Arsen Gevorgyan, the opposition “Strong Armenia” party’s mayoral candidate in Stepanavan, was detained on October 21 amid widespread early-morning raids, just four days before municipal elections.
Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee confirmed that 14 people had been detained on suspicion of giving, facilitating, or receiving electoral bribes. According to investigators, Gevorgyan, assisted by local council candidates and individuals representing “Strong Armenia,” allegedly distributed bribes to several dozen voters in exchange for their votes in the October 25 elections.
Investigators also allege that preparations had been made to bribe more than 30 additional voters, including setting aside money and compiling lists. The criminal investigation was initiated following information gathered by Armenia’s National Security Service.
Opposition lawmaker Andranik Gevorgyan condemned the raids, accusing Pashinyan’s government of unlawfully targeting “Strong Armenia” supporters ahead of the vote.
The detentions came a day after allegations of politically motivated dismissals in Stepanavan. On October 20, Andranik Gevorgyan identified three women he said had lost their jobs or faced pressure over their political views.
Among them was kindergarten teacher Serine Manukyan, allegedly dismissed after being photographed with opposition figure Narek Karapetyan. Nurses Manushak Lalazaryan, who had worked at the Stepanavan polyclinic for 38 years, and Olga Sahakyan were also named among those allegedly targeted.
The allegations followed Nikol Pashinyan’s public call for candidates and voters to report electoral intimidation, coercion, and misuse of administrative resources. He pledged action against officials responsible for substantiated violations.
Four political parties are participating in Stepanavan’s municipal elections, including the ruling “Civil Contract” and “Strong Armenia.” Stepanavan is the only community where “Strong Armenia” is running in this round of local elections.
