21 Arrested in Gyumri Vote-Buying Case Ahead of Armenian Elections
Gyumri, Shirak Province, May 24 – Twenty-one individuals have been arrested in Gyumri, Shirak Province, Armenia, in connection with an alleged vote-buying scheme. The arrests were made following a joint operation by the Anti-Corruption Committee and the Shirak Provincial Police Department.
The investigation was launched after authorities received information that a group of members from the ‘Prosperous Armenia’ party allegedly provided construction materials for home renovations to residents of Gyumri. These materials were reportedly given as ‘charity’ but were intended to influence voters in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
According to reports, the alleged scheme took place from the day the decision to schedule the parliamentary elections came into force until the summation of the election results. The construction materials were provided free of charge to a resident of Gyumri for the renovation of their home.
Investigation and Arrests
The Anti-Corruption Committee has initiated criminal proceedings in connection with the incident. A group of individuals has been arrested, and several searches and other procedural actions have been carried out as part of the ongoing investigation.
This case highlights concerns about electoral integrity and the use of illicit means to influence election outcomes. Authorities are continuing to investigate the full scope of the alleged vote-buying operation.
Broader Context of Electoral Violations
This incident is not isolated. The Anti-Corruption Committee has been actively investigating numerous cases of alleged electoral bribery across Armenia. As of February 7, 2026, the committee reported 67 arrests in 14 criminal proceedings related to vote-buying. The committee has urged citizens to reject electoral bribery, emphasizing the importance of fair and transparent elections.
Other recent incidents related to electoral violations include reports of administrative resource misuse during campaign activities and various allegations of bribery in different regions. These ongoing investigations underscore the challenges in ensuring a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
Calls for Fair Elections
Civil society organizations and independent observers have consistently called for stricter enforcement of electoral laws and increased transparency in campaign financing. The ‘Akanates’ (Eyewitness) initiative, for example, reported nine alleged criminal incidents related to pre-election campaigning, further indicating a pattern of irregularities.
The arrests in Gyumri serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat electoral fraud and uphold the principles of democratic elections in Armenia. The outcome of these investigations is crucial for public trust in the electoral process.
