Armenians go to polls in test of PM’s pivot to Europe amid Russian pressure

Voting is underway in Armenia’s parliamentary election, seen as a test of the government’s efforts to forge a peace deal with rival Azerbaijan and loosen ties with Moscow. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his ruling Civil Contract party seek a strong mandate to continue a geopolitical reorientation towards Europe. The opposition includes several parties that are vocally pro-Moscow. A day before the vote, investigators issued six arrest warrants for members of the Strong Armenia party accused of vote buying.