Armenians began voting on Sunday in a parliamentary election that seems likely to bolster the country's pro-EU trajectory, despite Russia's anger at the course the government has taken.
The ruling Civil Contract party of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has the pro-Russia Strong Armenia party as its closest rival in the election, which is also seen as a referendum on Pashinyan's peace efforts with Azerbaijan.
Polls have shown Pashinyan and his party well in the lead with up to 32% support, compared with just 11% for Strong Armenia.
This seems to indicate some endorsement of Pashinyan's efforts to move Armenia closer to the West since he came to power in 2018, although he will not be able to govern alone if the poll results are confirmed.
In contrast, Strong Armenia, formed last year by Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, wants Armenia to remain close to Russia, a key trading partner and energy supplier.Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (center) has sought closer ties with the EUImage: Anthony Pizzoferrato/AP Photo/picture alliance
