Civil Contract – the Party in Power
Leader: Nikol Pashinyan
Ideology: Centrist, pro-European
Current seats in Parliament: 71 of 107
Civil Contract is preparing to run independently in the 2026 elections. Despite a declining approval rating, parliamentary speaker Alen Simonyan has expressed confidence in the party’s continued dominance.
Armenian National Congress (Dashnaktsutyun) (ANC)
Leader: Robert Kocharyan
Ideology: National conservatism, pro-Russian orientation
Parliamentary status: 29 seats
Former President Kocharyan continues to mobilize opposition sentiment, emphasizing national security and foreign policy failures of the current administration.
Republican Party of Armenia
Leader: Serzh Sargsyan
Ideology: Traditional conservatism
Parliamentary status: Extra-parliamentary
Despite losing its dominant status after the 2018 revolution, the Republican Party is attempting a political comeback with a message of “stability and experience.”
Homeland Party (Armenia)
Leader: Artur Vanetsyan
Ideology: National conservatism, pro-defense
Parliamentary status: Extra-parliamentary (former MP, former NSC Director)
Founded by ex-Director of the National Security Service Artur Vanetsyan, Homeland initially gained momentum but weakened after the breakup of the “I Have Honor” alliance with the Republicans. Now repositioning for a solo return, Vanetsyan is appealing to security-minded voters and the diaspora.
Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP)
Leader: Gagik Tsarukyan
Ideology: Populism, social programs, pro-business
Parliamentary status: Extra-parliamentary
Once a key parliamentary force, PAP failed to pass the 2021 threshold. However, Tsarukyan remains influential due to his business empire and social support projects. His party maintains strong regional bases and is intensifying outreach in economically disadvantaged areas.
Bright Armenia
Leader: Edmon Marukyan
Ideology: Liberal, pro-European
Parliamentary status: Extra-parliamentary
Recently returned from diplomatic work, Marukyan aims to become a leading opposition figure and has called for Pashinyan’s impeachment.
European Party of Armenia
Leader: Tigran Khzmalyan
Ideology: Liberal, staunchly pro-EU and NATO
Parliamentary status: Extra-parliamentary
The party promotes a clear exit from Russian-led security and economic blocs and is building support among the urban liberal electorate.
Meritocratic Party of Armenia
Leader: Gurgen Simonyan
Ideology: Meritocracy, anti-oligarchy
Parliamentary status: Extra-parliamentary
This newcomer party promotes governance by professionals and technocrats, focusing on digital government and education reform.
Sovereign Armenia
Leader: Davit Sanasaryan
Ideology: National sovereignty, pro-European
Parliamentary status: Extra-parliamentary
Sanasaryan’s party positions itself as an independent, reform-oriented movement critical of both Russian influence and internal corruption.
Armenian Constructive Party
Leader: Andrias Ghukasyan
Ideology: Liberal-reformist
Parliamentary status: Extra-parliamentary
A party with clear positions on justice system reform, anti-corruption measures, and democratic governance.
Forecast for 2026
Civil Contract remains the dominant party, but its approval continues to slide. The opposition is fractured, but there is potential for growth, especially for populist and nationalist forces.
Veteran players like Tsarukyan and Vanetsyan, though outside of parliament, still possess notable resources. If they succeed in energizing their bases and forming tactical alliances, they could alter the outcome.
By Lida Nalbandyan, Founder and CEO of Octopus Media Group