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Civil Contract Wins Majority, Misses Two-Thirds for Referendum

6/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Civil Contract won about 49.8% of the vote, securing a parliamentary majority but falling short of the two-thirds needed for a constitutional referendum, as turnout reached nearly 59%.
Pashinyan declared a historic victory and pledged deeper ties with the West while maintaining relations with Russia.
Opposition leader Samvel Karapetyan alleged vote rigging and called the early victory announcement premature.

History

Historical Context

In July 1995 Armenia adopted its post-Soviet constitution via a referendum that recorded 70.3% “yes” votes and about 56% turnout, creating a strong parliament and a Constitutional Court signed by President Levon Ter-Petrosyan. The 2023 election lets Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan seek a super-majority to rewrite the charter, a step opponents like MP Samvel Karapetyan say could tilt Armenia toward Russia.

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Story summary

Civil Contract won about 49.8% of the vote, securing a parliamentary majority but falling short of the two-thirds needed for a constitutional referendum, as turnout reached nearly 59%.
Pashinyan declared a historic victory and pledged deeper ties with the West while maintaining relations with Russia.
Opposition leader Samvel Karapetyan alleged vote rigging and called the early victory announcement premature.

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