Armenia's parliamentary elections on 7 June 2026 marked a significant political milestone, a test not only of the electorate's preferences but of the resilience of the country's democratic institutions.
As Armenia enters a new parliamentary term, the focus is now shifting from who won the vote to how democratic institutions, public participation and government accountability will evolve over the following years. For the country’s civil society organisations and independent media, these elections were a moment in a much longer election process. They see their growing role in preventing democratic backsliding and advancing reforms that have remained stalled since the 2020 war. Efforts to sustain the democratic progress are essential for strengthening the country's resilience, especially against the backdrop of regional instability and an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.
EED spoke with five Armenian civil society groups about their vision for the country’s democratic future and the role they see for civil society in this post-election period. Despite working across different fields – from disability rights, independent media, youth engagement and environmental action – they share a common message that democracy is built through the everyday commitment of citizens, strong institutions, an independent media and civil society.
Democracy as a living process, not a single event
There is a shared understanding among partners that democratic progress cannot be measured by elections alone. They see this period as the moment when democratic practice and consolidation of independent voices is most urgently needed.
Youth for Change identify key issues to be addressed for the country’s democratic development, such as building trust, strengthening participation, and creating spaces for open and respectful dialogue between citizens and decision makers.
This is a view shared by Regions TV, an independent regional media outlet. They view this period as an opportunity to further strengthen democracy, build public trust, and public institution accountability. Their journalists will be monitoring if campaign commitments translate into concrete policy changes for communities across Armenia’s regions, particularly on issues such as border community security, infrastructure, youth migration, and access to public services.
Disability Rights Agenda makes a similar point from the perspective of inclusion, arguing that democratic consolidation depends not just on electoral outcomes, but on institutions becoming stronger than political personalities, public officials remaining accountable regardless of political affiliation, and the protection of human rights of all citizens in practice – including persons with disabilities. They are continuing to advocate for reforms based on their election observation findings, monitoring the implementation of commitments, and they will promote structural changes that strengthen democratic participation for persons with disabilities.
Civil society at a crossroads
Several partners highlight shrinking civic space as a focus point in this post-election period.
Disability Rights Agenda points to growing concerns about freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the space available for independent civic engagement. They argue that these trends affect all of society, but they have the greatest impact on minorities and groups that are underrepresented.
“Democracy depends on the protection of pluralism, institutional self-restraint, and meaningful participation in decision-making… Independent civil society [must be] recognised as a necessary partner in democratic governance rather than as an obstacle to it.”
They highlight broader challenges in the sector. As international funding becomes scarcer, they note that the government increasingly relies on NGOs to deliver public services, meaning that many organisations risk moving away from their traditional watchdog role. They believe that it is vital that civil society adapts to the evolving situation and ensures independent advocacy, monitoring and accountability.
They note their plans to continue to prioritise strategic litigation, policy advocacy, and public engagement to challenge discriminatory practices and to hold institutions to their commitments, and to strengthen participation for persons with disabilities.
Participation starts with communities
Other EED partners emphasise participation and active citizenship as the foundation of democratic resilience.
Youth for Change works with young people to strengthen civic participation, human rights, gender equality and inclusive democratic engagement. They plan to expand opportunities for young people to engage in community initiatives, participate in local decision making and build resilience against misinformation.
“We will focus on engaging young people in constructive dialogue, supporting community-based civic initiatives, and creating spaces where citizens can discuss local priorities and contribute to decision-making processes.”
Maqoor approaches civic engagement through environmental action. As a non-partisan youth-led organisation, it encourages young people to become active citizens by working together on practical challenges. Its network of Eco-Activism Centres across Armenia's regions provides them with spaces to learn, organise, and take action, with work ranging from waste management and biodiversity protection to local advocacy and cooperation with municipalities. They organise environmental education sessions, training sessions, research initiatives, public discussions, school visits, local advocacy activities, and awareness campaigns on issues such as waste management, recycling, air and water pollution, biodiversity protection, and responsible civic participation. The plan to expand this work.
“For us, civic engagement does not end with elections and is not limited to political participation; it also means taking responsibility for one’s community, protecting the environment, volunteering, and working together on practical solutions that benefit everyone.”
Independent media and informed citizens
The interviews highlight the central role of independent media in protecting democratic accountability.
Media Lab (part of the Umbrella Journalists' International Network) argues that independent journalism is even more important in the post-election period, given its role of asking difficult questions, preserving critical thinking, and maintaining public oversight. They focus on quality journalism and creative formats, including the satire and cartoons, to reach audiences who might not engage with conventional reporting, allowing them to document events, explain their consequences, remain critical and communicate important civic messages.
“Through satire, graphic journalism, animations and comics, we address complex and sensitive issues in a way that is accessible to wider audiences, while keeping a critical focus on power, corruption, injustice, hate speech and public indifference.”
Regions TV addresses similar concerns, particularly regarding the spread of disinformation, which they argue will not disappear in this post-election period, and risks further deepening social divisions and eroding public trust in democratic institutions. They will continue monitoring government performance and ensuring that the perspectives of communities outside Yerevan are considered in their reporting.
Shaping Armenia’s future democracy
Although these five partners work in different sectors, they have a shared vision for Armenia's future. They envisage a democratic, inclusive, and accountable state where institutions are stronger than individuals, rights are protected universally, independent media can operate freely, hate speech is never justified, and citizens have real opportunities to participate in public life. Young people, persons with disabilities and those beyond the capital must all have an important role in their country’s future.
However, they acknowledge real concerns about shrinking civic space, political polarisation and pressures facing civil society and media, but they describe this period as an opportunity to move beyond election-driven narratives and priorities and refocus on more fundamental democratic challenges. These include strengthening oversight of government activities, advocating for substantive rather than cosmetic reforms, and safeguarding Armenia's fragile democracy.
Amid the considerable challenges ahead, including an uncertain regional environment and the ongoing task of strengthening democratic institutions, Armenia’s democratic progress will depend on whether citizens can question decisions, influence policy and remain engaged between elections. Important too is that the spaces for civil society and independent media remain open, and democratic reforms – especially at the fields of rule of law and protection of human rights – progress.
