
ArmInfo. Even OSCE observers have recorded numerous violations during the Armenian parliamentary elections, according to political scientist Artur Khachikyan, a PhD in Political Science from Stanford University.
"But there is still some good news. Concluding the topic of mass election fraud in Armenia, good news number one is that our European colleagues—or at least some of them—have finally awakened their conscience. Well, at least a little, and this should be welcomed," the expert wrote on social media.
According to Khachikyan, even OSCE observers documented numerous violations during the elections. To support his claim, he cited the official statement issued by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), which noted: "The election campaign was highly confrontational, marked by divisive rhetoric and accusations of vote-buying and other electoral law violations, leading to numerous criminal cases against opposition candidates and activists, and discouraging many opposition supporters from actively participating in the campaign. This, coupled with pressure on government officials to attend ruling party events, as well as recently introduced social and economic measures, raised concerns about equal opportunity for participation in the election campaign."
"Bravo, colleagues. We welcome the unexpected revival of conscience and European values in your souls. Even you have acknowledged numerous violations, despite the frenzied pressure from your leaders, their unprecedented interference in our elections, and the deathly silence of your embassies," Khachikyan stated.
By way of comparison, he noted that during the elections in Belarus, European observers sharply criticized the government for arresting and intimidating candidates, creating unequal campaign conditions, suppressing freedom of speech, and monopolizing the media.
"But what is forbidden in Belarus is, it turns out, allowed and even encouraged in Armenia," Khachikyan concluded. "Sort out your double standards and drop your masks, our 'democratic' friends; otherwise, you might get completely confused. Then new facts emerged: 17,000 ballots were declared invalid (compared to 4,500 or 4,700 during the previous elections). It's statistically impossible for this figure to quadruple by chance. Statistics are an exact science; such things don't happen by accident. This means these ballots were deliberately disqualified. Furthermore, the Tsarukyan party discovered that over a hundred ballots had been stolen from it to prevent it from entering parliament. The vote count was stopped overnight, and the results were falsified in the morning," the professor added.
Among other alleged irregularities, Khachikyan cited the mobilization of soldiers to rig the election through multiple group-voting schemes, as well as the intimidation of Armenian citizens arriving at the airport from abroad. He also claimed that hundreds of opposition party members were arrested both before and during the elections. Furthermore, Khachikyan highlighted widespread interference by local administration officials, noting pervasive voter intimidation, direction, and surveillance. According to him, government representatives were personally present at polling stations to oversee and direct instances of group voting.
According to Khachikyan, there is documented evidence of widespread interference in Armenia's internal affairs by foreign leaders—specifically from Europe and the United States. He further alleged that state funds were used to bribe voters through the distribution of pensions and medical care, and that state television was leveraged for one-sided, pro-government propaganda. "This is the kind of victory celebrated yesterday by those who stole our people's votes," Khachikyan stated. "And for those who voted for this regime with fanatical zeal, I can give you additional joy: today, all of Azerbaijan congratulated you. Be proud of yourselves, your sense of dignity, and your honor." He continued with sharp criticism regarding the geopolitical implications of the vote: "Those who killed 5,000 young men—who so unfairly gave their young lives for your vile, selfish, cowardly souls—rejoiced in your victory and congratulated you. One of them openly rejoiced and boasted about how they broke and humiliated 50% of Armenians, forcing them to love their neighbors. Rejoice. And he is right to rejoice in your humiliation—you chose this yourselves, and therefore, you deserve it. Celebrate with your neighbors and continue groveling."