Democratic elections are now established in Armenia as an institution, and the era of rigged elections and authoritarian rule is long over, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, a senior member of the Civil Contract party, has said.

“There have been free, fair, and transparent elections, elections that meet the highest international standards, as confirmed by the preliminary reactions of various observer organizations and relevant bodies, as well as the leaders of individual countries,” Mirzoyan told reporters on Monday after the preliminary vote count showed that Civil Contract will retain a majority in parliament with 727,160 votes, or 49.825%.

According to the Foreign Minister, the election results further affirm the consolidation of democratic processes in Armenia.

“I also want to say that the chapter of democratic elections is now firmly established in Armenia, meaning that the era of rigged elections, pseudo-democracy, or authoritarianism in the Republic of Armenia is closed,” Mirzoyan added.

He also expressed gratitude to citizens for their trust in the Civil Contract party.

“I also want to thank the citizens of the Republic of Armenia for entrusting the governance of the country to the Civil Contract party for the third consecutive time,” the minister said.

“For the third consecutive time, the Civil Contract party has the opportunity and will form a government by itself, and, as in the past, it will continue to serve the interests of the Republic of Armenia, the interests of its citizens, and fulfill its promises,” he said.

The minister emphasized that the vote of confidence carries obligations for the government.

“We are grateful for this vote and for the responsibility it entails, and we will continue to serve the Republic of Armenia,” Mirzoyan concluded.