The possibility of holding early parliamentary elections in Armenia cannot be ruled out, according to political technologist Karen Kocharyan.
He draws attention to recent political and administrative decisions, which may at least indicate planning for early election scenarios. For instance, eight months before the regular elections, Nikol Pashinyan appointed the head of the pre-election campaign headquarters.
The campaign against the Church is intensifying, which, although largely influenced externally, is perceived by Pashinyan himself as a potential threat during the pre-election period. The Armenian Apostolic Church is a networked structure, and Nikol Pashinyan has always been wary of such structures, especially during election periods. Therefore, attempts are now being made to “weaken the influence of the Church before the elections,” notes the political technologist.
“The last show staged in Hovhannavank, unfortunately, was not the last. It has been announced that another similar event will take place on Sunday. I have no doubt that even patrol officers will be dressed in civilian clothes and sent there to show the largest possible number of people,” Kocharyan said, adding that it is still unclear whether the authorities will achieve their goal.
Populist initiatives by the authorities, aimed at gaining public favor, may also indicate planning for possible early elections. As a rule, authorities resort to populist measures immediately before elections so that their actions are not forgotten, the expert asserts.
What has happened recently? For example, the reduction of military service, which was supposed to take effect in June 2026, will now be implemented starting in January. This is a sign of a certain haste.
Kocharyan also notes another point. Until recently, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev consistently made sharp statements, including references to the “Zangezur corridor.” However, recently Baku has allowed freight shipments from Kazakhstan to pass through Azerbaijani territory and via Georgia to Armenia, which, according to Kocharyan, can be seen as a “gesture” toward Nikol Pashinyan.