On July 31, the Regional Center for Democracy and Security (RCDS) hosted a public discussion titled “Armenia’s Democratic Trajectory After the Elections.” The discussion brought together RCDS Director Tigran Grigoryan, CivilNet Editor-in-Chief Karen Harutyunyan, and Narek Sukiasyan, a researcher at the Center for Civilization and Cultural Studies. The discussion was moderated by RCDS expert Hayk Khanumyan.
The speakers examined the key democratic challenges facing Armenia in the post-election period, focusing in particular on signs of democratic backsliding and the recurring use of selective justice. They discussed the growing politicization of law enforcement and the judiciary, as well as other concerning developments following the parliamentary elections.
Particular attention was given to political polarization and the strategies employed by major political actors to delegitimize their opponents. The speakers also examined how these dynamics have contributed to the spread of populist narratives and increasingly polarized political discourse.
The discussion further explored the impact of political polarization on independent media and the challenges facing journalists and media organizations. The speakers considered the role and responsibilities of the media in safeguarding democratic standards and preventing further democratic backsliding.
The panel concluded with an extensive and engaging Q&A session with members of the audience.
Watch the full recording of the discussion here: