06.06.2026 19:20
Ahead of the general elections in Armenia tomorrow, 6 candidates from the pro-Russian ""Strong Armenia"" movement have been detained. While the reason for the detention has not been disclosed, polls indicate that Prime Minister Pashinyan's party is leading.
Notable developments have occurred ahead of the general elections to be held in Armenia tomorrow. Armenian authorities announced that 6 individuals competing in the election have been detained. While Armenian state media reported that the detained individuals are members of the pro-Russia 'Strong Armenia' movement led by Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, no details were shared regarding the reason for the detentions.
NO INFORMATION ABOUT THE DETENTIONS
State media also reported that Armenia's Central Election Commission has authorized a criminal investigation into the candidates in question. However, no details about the process were provided. The Armenian Investigative Committee, which carried out the detentions, has not yet responded to questions on the matter.
No statement has yet been made from the 'Strong Armenia' front, which seeks to maintain economic and political relations with Russia and accuses Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of escalating tensions with Moscow.
PASHINYAN'S PARTY LEADS IN POLLS
The election, in which approximately 2.4 million voters can cast ballots, is seen as a test for the Pashinyan government's efforts to achieve lasting peace with Azerbaijan. Polls show Pashinyan's Civil Contract Party leading with support ranging from 24 to 32 percent, while its closest rival 'Strong Armenia' is estimated to have support between 6 and 11 percent.
While Armenian civil society organizations have expressed concerns about Russia-backed disinformation activities during the election process, the Moscow administration denies these allegations.
EXPORT RESTRICTIONS ON ARMENIAN PRODUCTS FROM RUSSIA
Armenia's relations with its traditional ally Russia have become one of the most important topics during the election process. In response to Yerevan's rapprochement with Western countries and the European Union (EU), Russia had imposed various restrictions on Armenia's food exports.
Russia's agricultural supervision authority Rosselkhoznadzor announced that, as of June 3, temporary restrictions would be applied to stone fruits, eggplants, potatoes, and dried fruits originating from and sent from Armenia.
The statement noted that the decision was made due to insufficient inspections at the relevant producers and also stated that transit of the restricted products to Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries would not be allowed.
Russia had also imposed restrictions on flower imports from Armenia as of May 22.