GYUMRI, September 20 – Igor Titov, the Russian Consul General in Gyumri, participated in the elections for the ninth convocation of the Russian State Duma. This was reported by the press service of the Consulate General.
Voting Stations Across Armenia
In total, two main and two local polling stations were opened in Armenia for the elections. In Yerevan, voting took place at the Russian Embassy in Armenia and at the Erebuni airbase. In Gyumri, stations were established at the Consulate General and within the territory of the Russian 102nd military base.
As of 12:00 PM, a total of 1,462 Russian citizens had cast their votes across all polling stations in Armenia.
Requirements for Voters
No prior registration was required for voters. Citizens were only required to present a valid identity document of a Russian citizen, such as an internal or international passport.
The voting for the deputies of the 9th convocation of the State Duma began in Russia on September 17, with September 20 being the final day.
Participating Political Parties
Ten political parties participated in the elections based on federal party lists:
- “United Russia” (Единая Россия)
- Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (ЛДПР)
- “Party of Direct Democracy” (Партия прямой демократии)
- “Greens” (Зеленые)
- “A Just Russia” (Справедливая Россия)
- “Motherland” (Родина)
- Communist Party of the Russian Federation (КПРФ)
- “Party of Pensioners” (Партия пенсионеров)
- “Communists of Russia” (Коммунисты России)
- “New People” (Новые люди)
A total of 450 deputies were to be elected to the State Duma: 225 through proportional lists and another 225 through single-mandate constituencies. To enter parliament, parties needed to overcome a 5% threshold.
Evaluation of the Election Process
The polling stations opened in Yerevan and Shirak for the Russian State Duma elections have now closed. According to the Russian Ambassador to Armenia, no extraordinary situations were reported during the voting process.
Earlier in the day, a large queue formed near the polling station for the Russian State Duma elections in Yerevan, indicating significant voter turnout. Russian singer Zara, currently in Armenia, also cast her vote at a local polling station.
Observers confirmed that no violations were recorded at the polling stations opened in Armenia for the Russian State Duma elections. Galina Petukhova, a survivor of the blockade, was among the first to vote in Yerevan, fulfilling her civic duty. The Russian Ambassador to Armenia, Sergey Kopyrkin, was also among the first to cast his vote in Yerevan.
The voting at the two polling stations in Armenia commenced at 9:00 AM.
Context of Regional Events
The elections took place amidst other significant regional developments. The “Strong Armenia” party issued a statement on the third anniversary of the war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh, asserting that the depopulation of Artsakh cannot erase its centuries-old Armenian history. Tributes were paid at the “Call of Artsakh” memorial complex by former and current Artsakh officials.
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II consecrated the newly built church in Byureghavan, emphasizing unity in facing challenges. The United States reiterated its commitment to supporting the transformation of the Armenian army. Changes to 8 bus routes in Yerevan were announced for September 21.
Armenia was not included in the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly observation mission for the Russian State Duma elections. Sergey Kopyrkin also paid a traditional visit to the Zangezur and Agarak copper-molybdenum plants. A march to Yerablur took place in Yerevan, with participants stating they were forced to take the path of salvation to Mother Armenia. The Artsakh National Assembly declared the collective and safe return of Artsakh residents an inalienable right.
