Pashinyan orders internal investigation into Aparan schools  principals for involving children in campaigning

ArmInfo.An internal investigation will be carried out regarding the behaviour of four school directors who were engaged in election campaigning in the town  of Aparan, as stated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan  to journalists on May 14 during his campaign in the Ajapnyak administrative district.

He noted that while the four principals in question have already  submitted their resignations, they will not be formally dismissed  until the internal investigation is completed and the presence or  absence of violations in their actions is officially established. 

The Prime Minister's response follows a report by the Akanates  (Witness) observation mission regarding a violation of the ban on  political activity in general education institutions. The incident  occurred on May 13, 2026, during a campaign event for the ruling  "Civil Contract" party in the Aparan community.

 "Mission observers observed on-site that principals and teachers  from several schools in the community and surrounding settlements  participated in the event, organized during school hours. What's even  more alarming is that, Under the direct instruction of teachers and  management, students were pulled out of classrooms to meet the Prime  Minister and provide a crowd for the campaign rally. Children were  given flags, and instructions were given in advance, including  regarding their appearance, clothing, and hairstyle," Akanates noted.

"According to the Armenian Law on General Education, political  activity or campaigning is prohibited in educational institutions,  and the Electoral Code of the Republic prohibits educational  institution employees from organizing and conducting election  campaigning while exercising their official duties or positions.   Such abuse of authority and official position by school  administration is subject to strict legal assessment," Akanates  concluded.