This article analyzes the pre-election periods in Armenia in February 2013 and in Georgia in October 2013 respectively. The outcomes of 2012 parliamentary elections in both states are analyzed in order to explain the specific conditions in each state’s most recent presidential election. The article compares the two states’ domestic political situations, focusing in particular on relations between governments and opposition, as well as relevant aspects of the international political context. The article also provides detailed account of the developments in Armenia following the presidential elections, as the one-year period following the elections has already given rise to some specific outcomes, with both domestic and international implications. In particular, the abrupt policy shift towards further integration with Russia instead of initialing the EU Association Agreement may pose a new threat of regional destabilization, as Russian military presence on Armenian territory will increase.