Armenia arrests six opposition candidates on the eve of key elections Six parliamentary candidates from the opposition Strong Armenia bloc were detained by Armenian authorities on the eve of the general election. The detentions occurred amidst televised debates where Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called for the revocation of registration for opposition groups. The Investigative Committee stated that the candidates are under arrest as part of a criminal case involving financial inducement and large-scale money laundering.

• Six parliamentary candidates from the opposition Strong Armenia bloc were detained.
• The detentions occurred a day before Armenia’s general election.
• The Investigative Committee cited financial inducement and money laundering as reasons for the arrests.
• The ruling Civil Contract party is expected to remain the largest party but may not secure a majority.
• Opposition groups accused authorities of exerting pressure ahead of the vote.
• Russia criticized the detentions, questioning the election’s legitimacy and warning about Armenia’s EU integration.