Armenia Before the Election: What Kind of Democracy Will Prevail? (dgap.org)

• Personalized leadership bypasses traditional institutions, reinforcing plebiscitary governance.
• Civil society is fragmented among government supporters, critical voices, and disillusioned former revolutionaries.
• Post-war narratives hamper integration of displaced persons and democratic accountability.

"Armenia is seen as a democratic model in the South Caucasus, but the personalization of power around PM Pashinyan, weakened institutions, and deep polarization threaten democracy. The June 2026 elections will determine the course. Civil society is divided, and the aftermath of the Nagorno-Karabakh war fuels social tensions and accountability issues."