Week in Review - October 25, 2026 In this Groong Week in Review episode, Hovik and Asbed break down Armenia's October 25, 2026 municipal elections and the stark reality of one-party rule under Pashinyan. We discuss administrative pressure, opposition arrests in Stepanavan, jailed candidates, and coerced party defections-exposing how Civil Contract dominates through control of police and judiciary rather than genuine democratic competition. We also examine Pashinyan's threats of snap elections, constitutional changes responsive to Azerbaijani demands, and whether electoral politics can still deliver political change in Armenia. Topics: - Municipal elections and one-party dominance - Opposition arrests ahead of Stepanavan elections - Pashinyan's threats of snap elections - Constitutional changes and Azerbaijani demands - Can elections bring political change? - Government bonuses, cronyism, and accountability - Remembering Rita Vorperian and Osheen Keshishian Timestamps: 0:00 Intro to Week in Review for October 25, 2026 0:11 Municipal election day in Armenia today 5:12 Arrests of Strong Armenia members in Stepanavan 8:09 What are the government's allegations against Strong Armenia? 13:17 Pashinyan's floats snap elections to force deliver a change of constitution 17:55 What makes Narek Karapetyan confident of success in case of a snap election? 36:33 Commemorating the passing of two friends 36:54 Rita Vorperian passes away 38:00 Osheen Keshishian passes away 39:50 Support Groong - podcasts.groong.org/donate Hosts: - Hovik Manucharyan - Asbed Bedrossian Episode 597 | Recorded: October 25, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/597