The former Armenian president, Serzh Sargsyan, and his Republican Party will not contest the upcoming 2026 parliamentary elections. This decision follows a thorough analysis by the party, which has governed Armenia for nearly two decades under Sargsyan’s leadership. He previously served as president and prime minister from 2008 until his forced resignation during the 2018 Velvet Revolution.
Details regarding the Republican Party’s political stance, potentially including endorsements, will be unveiled following a party conference on April 4th. Serzh Sargsyan remains a controversial figure, facing accusations of corruption and abuse of power throughout his tenure. New charges were filed against him in 2025, relating to his time in office.
The widespread allegations of corruption fueled the Armenian revolution that led to his removal. The Republican Party secured seven parliamentary seats as part of the I Have Honour faction after the 2021 snap elections. Armenia is scheduled to hold these pivotal elections on June 7th, with current Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his Civil Contract party currently leading in opinion polls.
Pashinyan’s claims about the opposition preparing a new war with Azerbaijan are viewed with concern, potentially justifying undemocratic actions. Nate Ostiller, an editor at OC Media, brings a background in post-Soviet geopolitics and conflict-sensitive journalism to this reporting on the Armenian political landscape.
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