Arsen Gevorgyan, a candidate nominated by the Strong Armenia party in the Stepanavan municipal council elections, is among those detained in Stepanavan since early morning, parliamentary faction member Arega Hovsepyan reported.
A total of 14 people have been detained.
The Anti-Corruption Committee reported that factual evidence obtained during criminal proceedings initiated on the basis of operations conducted by the National Security Service indicates that the candidate heading the Strong Armenia party’s electoral list for the October 25, 2026, regular proportional representation elections to the council of the enlarged Stepanavan community allegedly offered electoral bribes to several dozen voters in various settlements within the community.
According to the committee, the alleged bribes were provided with the assistance of municipal council candidates and individuals acting on behalf of the party, on the condition that the recipients participate in the elections and vote for Strong Armenia.
The preliminary investigation also established that the same candidate, with the assistance of municipal council candidates, allegedly prepared to offer electoral bribes to more than 30 additional voters in exchange for votes for the party. The preparations reportedly involved setting aside money for each voter, making notes and compiling lists.
As part of the criminal proceedings initiated by the Anti-Corruption Committee, several individuals have been detained, while searches and other procedural measures have been carried out.
The proportional representation elections to the Stepanavan municipal council are scheduled for October 25, 2026. Four political parties are contesting the elections.
