Polling stations in Armenia opened at 8:00 this morning in a hotly contested parliamentary election that will shape the country’s political direction for the next five years.

According to the Central Electoral Commission, 362,657 voters had cast ballots by 11:00 a.m., equal to 14.48% of registered voters. This is higher than turnout at the same time in the previous three parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s ruling Civil Contract party faces a fragmented opposition led by businessman Samvel Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia alliance and former President Robert Kocharyan’s Armenia alliance. Pre-election polls show Civil Contract leading the race.

In total, sixteen political parties and two alliances are vying for seats in Armenia's legislature.

Polls close at 8:00 p.m. this evening.