From Classroom Discussions to Polling Stations: BAPG Students Observe Armenia’s 2026 Parliamentary Elections
YEREVAN, Armenia — On June 7, 2026, parliamentary elections were held across Armenia, bringing citizens to the polls to elect representatives to the National Assembly. For a number of students from the Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance (BAPG) program at the American University of Armenia (AUA), the elections also became an opportunity to engage directly with the democratic process as election observers, gaining firsthand experience with electoral procedures, transparency mechanisms, and civic participation.
Just weeks before the elections, the program hosted the panel discussion “Understanding Elections: Process, Participation, and Responsibility,” bringing together representatives of the Central Electoral Commission, Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center, members of the AUA academic community, and students to discuss electoral procedures, public trust, misinformation, and the responsibilities of citizens in democratic societies. The election observation experience allowed students to put many of these discussions into practice and witness firsthand how electoral processes function on the ground.
More than 20 BAPG students participated in election observation missions in various capacities. Anush Arakelyan (BAPG ’26) served as a National Assistant in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Election Observation Mission, contributing to media monitoring, analytical reporting, translation, and logistical support. As part of the mission, she participated in meetings with representatives of state institutions, political actors, media organizations, and civil society groups, gaining valuable insight into both the electoral environment and the work of international observation missions.
Others worked directly with observer delegations on election day. Mari Margaryan (BAPG ’27) served as an assistant interpreter for an OSCE Parliamentary Assembly observer delegation, assisting throughout the observation process while closely following polling station procedures from opening to closing. Reflecting on the experience, she noted how it deepened her understanding of Armenia’s electoral framework and international observation standards.
For many students, election observation provided their first direct exposure to the practical realities of democratic governance. Karina Barseghyan (BAPG ’28) described the experience as an opportunity to connect concepts such as democracy, electoral fairness, and accountability to real political processes. Similarly, Anna Israyelyan (BAPG ’26) emphasized the value of following the entire process—from the opening of the polling station to the final ballot count—which strengthened her appreciation for electoral integrity and civic responsibility.
Nare Mirzoyan (BAPG ’29) noted that observing the elections challenged her initial skepticism regarding electoral fairness and strengthened her confidence in the transparency of election procedures. Several students also remarked on the enthusiasm and sense of responsibility demonstrated by many voters, while expressing concern about limited youth participation in some polling stations.
For Aida Ghukasyan (BAPG ’29), the opportunity to witness every stage of the electoral process provided a deeper understanding of how elections function beyond textbooks and classroom discussions. Lina Galstyan (BAPG ’27) similarly highlighted the importance of civic engagement and public trust, noting that election observation helped her better understand the practical implementation of democratic principles. Edgar Zatikyan (MAIRD) emphasized the cooperative relationship between observers and election officials at his polling station, underscoring the role that transparency and communication play in fostering confidence in electoral outcomes.
By participating in election observation missions, BAPG students gained a unique opportunity to witness the electoral process beyond the classroom. Their experiences highlighted the value of civic participation, critical observation, and informed engagement — principles that lie at the heart of the BAPG program.
