The process of changing power in Armenia will not end with the June 7 elections, even if the outcome is favorable for the opposition. This was stated by constitutional expert Vardan Poghosyan.
A legal window for retaining power
Poghosyan emphasizes that even if the ruling team loses public support, the current prime minister will remain in office until August 2, 2026 — the end of the current parliament’s term.
According to him, this period may involve “numerous unlawful processes,” creating serious risks for both the political system and the completion of a power transition.
The illusion of elections as a sole mechanism
He considers the widespread belief that power can be changed solely through elections to be a serious misconception.
In his view, authorities will use all available means to interfere in the electoral process and distort results.
He calls it naïve to expect full compliance with electoral laws, even at the campaign stage.
The need for concrete action
According to the expert, regardless of how many parties participate or what programs they present, those aiming for a change of power must take specific steps.
The first and most important step is communication with voters.
Society must clearly understand that the process will not end on June 7.
Citizens should be prepared to mobilize before the elections and after them to defend their votes.
First phase: before June 7
Discussing the pre-election period, Poghosyan notes that political forces seeking to remove the current government must coordinate their actions.
He states that at least four major political forces have already declared such intentions.
He emphasizes the need for prior agreements in case of “obvious illegal interference” in the electoral process.
In such cases, the opposition must act as a unified front.
The challenge of opposition fragmentation
Poghosyan notes that such coordination has rarely been achieved among opposition forces, including the so-called “mainstream opposition.”
These agreements have often not addressed key national issues.
He argues that political forces must rise above personal ambitions and act collectively, even if only temporarily.
If pressure is applied to one opposition group, others must respond with a unified stance.
Otherwise, he warns, it will be impossible to prevent large-scale violations by the authorities.
He also notes that violations in the electoral process “have already begun,” adding urgency to the situation.