The Canadian government is gearing up to dispatch election monitors to Armenia amid concerns raised by a rights advocacy group led by the former head of Human Rights Watch. The International Observatory for Democracy in Armenia (IODA) expressed apprehension over democratic regression in Armenia before the upcoming June elections, highlighting attempts by the current Armenian government to stifle opposition views and weaken independent institutions.
Kenneth Roth, representing IODA, conveyed their findings to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Global Affairs Canada following a fact-finding mission to Yerevan in March. Canada plans to deploy seven independent election observers to Armenia in advance of the parliamentary elections next month, as confirmed by the Privy Council Office in a statement to CBC News. These observers will be part of a larger mission organized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Prime Minister Carney recently attended the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, where he engaged with EU leaders and Armenian officials, including Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Carney emphasized the historical ties between Canada and Europe, underlining shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. He also highlighted Canada’s involvement in the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA), tasked with monitoring the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan post-conflict.
IODA, comprising notable figures like Bryan May and Jason Kenney, flagged the Armenian government’s alleged interference in judicial independence and religious institutions, along with politically motivated prosecutions. The group criticized the imprisonment of political opponents, including businessman Samvel Karapetyan and Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a Canadian citizen.
Pivot to the West has emerged as a key campaign theme in Armenia, with concerns raised about democratic principles being compromised for geopolitical interests. Critics have accused Prime Minister Pashinyan of silencing dissent and making concessions in Armenia’s foreign policy, particularly regarding relations with Russia and peace negotiations with Azerbaijan.
The upcoming elections in Armenia hold significant importance following the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan. Western countries, including Canada, have voiced concerns over the aftermath of the conflict, calling for the release of prisoners of war and the protection of cultural heritage in the region. The European Parliament’s resolution on these matters coincided with Azerbaijan’s demolition of churches in Nagorno-Karabakh, sparking further international scrutiny.
As Armenia prepares for a critical election, the role of international observers, including those from Canada, is crucial in ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process. Observers will monitor various aspects of the election, such as campaign and candidate registration, to uphold democratic standards and transparency.