The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has confirmed it will deploy an observation mission for Armenia’s parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7, 2026.

The mission was formed at the invitation of the Armenian authorities following a needs assessment. Its core team of 13 experts, led by Janez Lenarčič, will operate in Yerevan, while from May 1, 30 long-term observers will be deployed across the country. In addition, around 250 short-term observers are expected to arrive ahead of election day, Armenpress reports.

It was noted that the experts and observers represent 28 OSCE participating states.

“This observation mission will assess all stages of the electoral process in line with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections. We will observe not only the elections themselves, but also the environment in which they take place,” Lenarčič said.

The mission will examine key components of the electoral process, including the pre-election campaign (including on social media), financing, election administration at various levels, the legal framework, mechanisms to counter disinformation, media coverage, and the handling of electoral disputes.

Observers will also assess progress in implementing recommendations made after previous elections, meeting with a wide range of stakeholders involved in or affected by the electoral process — from political actors to civil society and international organizations.

“As part of our observation, we will meet stakeholders engaged in and affected by electoral processes — from authorities and political parties to civil society, media, and the international community — both in the capital and throughout the country. This approach will allow us to form a comprehensive and balanced picture of the electoral processes across Armenia,” Lenarčič added.

On election day, ODIHR observers will be joined by delegations from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and the European Parliament.

An interim report will be published about two weeks before the elections, while preliminary findings will be presented after the vote. The final report, including a full assessment and recommendations for reforms, will be issued several months later.

ODIHR has previously observed 12 elections in Armenia, including the 2021 snap parliamentary elections.