An opposition candidate was detained in Gyumri after searches.

Today, before the opening of polling stations, security forces conducted searches at the headquarters of the Armenia bloc in Gyumri and detained candidate Hasmik Sagradyan. Searches were also conducted at the headquarters of the "Strong Armenia" party.

As "Caucasian Knot" reported, voting began today in Armenia in the parliamentary elections. 2,005 polling stations opened to voters at 8:00 a.m. local time (7:00 a.m. Moscow time).

Since early this morning, security forces have been conducting searches and making arrests in Gyumri, News.am reports.

In particular, Searches began at the headquarters of the opposition bloc "Armenia" at 5:00 a.m. local time (4:00 a.m. Moscow time), and candidate Hasmik Sagradyan was detained.

Searchs are also underway at the headquarters of "Strong Armenia," the publication states.

Pre-election ratings of Armenian parties

As a reminder, the most pro-Russian participants in the elections are the "Strong Armenia" bloc of businessman Samvel Karapetyan, Former President Robert Kocharyan's "Armenia" party and oligarch Gagik Tsarukyan's "Prosperous Armenia" party. Analysts believe the parties of Samvel Karapetyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Robert Kocharyan will be key rivals in the elections.

Amid preparations for the elections, Armenian authorities have increased pressure on opposition supporters. On June 4, the Investigative Committee reported on the criminal prosecution of 37 people involved in the case of the previously arrested Alik Aleksanyan. Aleksanyan is suspected of money laundering and bribery of Armenian citizens in the political interests of businessman Samvel Karapetyan.

Russian pressure factor creates uncertainty ahead of elections in Armenia

Ahead of the elections, security forces conducted searches in the offices of the Strong Armenia and Prosperous Armenia parties and detained at least 15 people. Opposition representatives considered this pressure and declared the authorities' abuse of administrative resources.

At the same time, Russia's recent political steps, which have increased political and economic pressure on Armenia, have strengthened the convictions of both pro-Russian and pro-Western voters.