Armenia Has Shown the Way: Democracy Prevails While Dictatorships Belong to the Past

Armenia Has Shown the Way: Democracy Prevails While Dictatorships Belong to the Past June 8, 2026, became another important day for everyone who believes in democracy, human rights, and freedom of choice. Following the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s party, Civil Contract, achieved a convincing victory, receiving the support of the majority of voters. This event is significant not only for Armenia. It is an important signal to the entire world that democracy remains the most just and legitimate way for a nation to determine its future. The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “Dayanch” / Turkmenistan sincerely congratulates the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, the Civil Contract party, the people of Armenia, and all supporters of democratic values around the world on this important victory. Once again, the Armenian people have demonstrated that it is the citizens who must determine the future of their country through free expression of their will, rather than through fear, pressure, or the absence of political choice. Today, Armenia has once again shown that democracy is not a weakness of the state but its strength. It is the ability of a government to obtain legitimacy through the support of its citizens rather than through coercion. It is the possibility of peaceful political competition, open public debate, and respect for the opinions of society. We are convinced that the world is changing rapidly. More and more countries are choosing the path of democracy, transparency, and respect for human rights. There is less and less room for dictatorship, personality cults, clan-based governance, political repression, and the suppression of freedom of expression. For many nations that still live under restrictions and without genuine political choice, Armenia’s experience serves as an important example that government must depend on the will of the people, not the people on the will of those in power. An Appeal to the Leadership of Turkmenistan In this regard, we address the leadership of Turkmenistan — Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and Serdar Berdimuhamedow. The world is no longer what it was twenty or thirty years ago. People increasingly demand respect for their rights, participation in the governance of their country, and the opportunity to express their opinions freely. The time has come to put an end to authoritarian practices, human rights violations, censorship, persecution of dissenting voices, and transnational repression, which for many years have caused suffering to thousands of Turkmen citizens both inside the country and abroad. No government has the right to deprive its citizens of their fundamental rights and freedoms. No government has the right to destroy freedom of speech, force people to live in fear, separate families, persecute activists and journalists, or compel citizens to leave their homeland in search of safety and a dignified life. History shows that no system based on fear and repression lasts forever. Sooner or later, the time comes for accountability before one’s own people and before history. If the leadership of Turkmenistan is truly confident in the support of its citizens, it should begin with the most important step. Begin with free, transparent, democratic, and fair elections. Elections that fully comply with international standards and are conducted under the observation of independent international organizations. Elections in which representatives of different political views are allowed to participate. Elections in which every vote matters. Only fair elections can reveal the true will of the people. Only democracy can ensure the sustainable development of a state. Only freedom of expression and independent institutions can prevent the abuse of power. We are also convinced that ending transnational repression, releasing political prisoners, ensuring the independence of the judiciary, and respecting civil liberties are essential steps toward building a modern and just state. The true strength of a country is measured not by the number of restrictions it imposes, but by the level of freedom enjoyed by its citizens. Not by the scale of its propaganda, but by the level of trust it earns from society. Not by fear of authority, but by respect for the rule of law. If the current authorities are unable or unwilling to carry out genuine reforms, respect the rights of their own citizens, and uphold the rule of law, they should acknowledge their inability to resolve the country’s accumulated problems and open the way for peaceful democratic transformation. No crime committed against human rights remains forgotten forever. No abuse of power should remain beyond accountability. Governments exist to serve their people, not to silence them. Democracy Is the Future of Humanity Today’s democratic victory in Armenia is an important reminder to the entire world. People want freedom. People want justice. People want the right to choose their own future. The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “Dayanch” / Turkmenistan consistently advocates for the protection of human rights, the rule of law, freedom of expression, fair elections, peace, and international solidarity. We believe that the future belongs to free citizens, not to the rule of fear. We believe that human rights know no borders. We believe that democracy remains the only sustainable path to peace, development, and human dignity. Freedom of speech is not a crime. Human rights are not a privilege. Democracy is the future. Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “Dayanch” / Turkmenistan June 8, 2026