Armenians go to the polls under Russian pressure aimed at preventing a drift toward West

Armenians are set to vote in parliamentary elections as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his Civil Contract party seek to shift the country’s geopolitical stance away from Russia and towards the West. Facing opposition from pro-Russian parties, Pashinyan aims for a strong mandate to pursue a balanced foreign policy. Recent Russian restrictions on Armenian exports and veiled threats from President Vladimir Putin highlight the tension. Meanwhile, allegations of vote-buying have led to arrest warrants for members of the opposition Strong Armenia party. Despite these challenges, Pashinyan, who gained power in 2018, is expected to win, supported by Western leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump. The election will determine the composition of Armenia’s National Assembly, which requires parties to secure at least 4% of the vote to gain seats. QUESTION: How might Armenia’s shift towards the West impact its relationship with Russia and its regional stability?