Armenia's Central Election Commission Chairman: Parliamentary elections took place; power outages and voting after polling stations closed did not affect voting
07.06.2026,
23:58
The parliamentary elections in Armenia definitely took place, stated Vahagn Hovakimyan, Chairman of the Central Election Commission.
YEREVAN, June 7. /ARKA/. The parliamentary elections in Armenia definitely took place, stated Vahagn Hovakimyan, Chairman of the Central Election Commission.
He acknowledged that as of 8:00 PM, voters were still present at some polling stations who continued voting after the official closing time.
"These were military personnel who were unable to vote before 8:00 PM. They continued voting after 8:00 PM, as stipulated by the Electoral Code," Hovakimyan said.
He noted that, due to this, turnout figures may change slightly after the final count.
The CEC Chairman also commented on reports of power outages at several polling stations, emphasizing that they could not have affected either the voting process or the vote count. "All polling stations are equipped with backup lighting sources. Furthermore, video recording continues even during a power outage," he explained.
Hovakimyan added that folded ballots are considered valid and are counted during the vote count.
Speaking about the progress of the election campaign, the CEC Chairman acknowledged that some violations were recorded. Specifically, these included harsh rhetoric by political forces, the placement of campaign posters, and the participation of civil servants in campaign events.
He also emphasized that the overwhelming majority of incoming signals concerned technical issues.
"About 99% of the inquiries were related to technical issues, which were promptly resolved. All voters were able to exercise their right to vote," Hovakimyan stated.
He acknowledged that as of 8:00 PM, voters were still present at some polling stations who continued voting after the official closing time.
"These were military personnel who were unable to vote before 8:00 PM. They continued voting after 8:00 PM, as stipulated by the Electoral Code," Hovakimyan said.
He noted that, due to this, turnout figures may change slightly after the final count.
The CEC Chairman also commented on reports of power outages at several polling stations, emphasizing that they could not have affected either the voting process or the vote count. "All polling stations are equipped with backup lighting sources. Furthermore, video recording continues even during a power outage," he explained.
Hovakimyan added that folded ballots are considered valid and are counted during the vote count.
Speaking about the progress of the election campaign, the CEC Chairman acknowledged that some violations were recorded. Specifically, these included harsh rhetoric by political forces, the placement of campaign posters, and the participation of civil servants in campaign events.
He also emphasized that the overwhelming majority of incoming signals concerned technical issues.
"About 99% of the inquiries were related to technical issues, which were promptly resolved. All voters were able to exercise their right to vote," Hovakimyan stated.
