Voting starts in Russia for the elections
Voting has officially begun for the elections to Russia’s State Duma, with participation from Russian citizens abroad, as stated by Mariya Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
In the Zabaykalsky region, nearly 3,500 individuals have already cast their votes ahead of the scheduled voting dates, according to TASS, citing local election commission secretary Olena Pochikovska.
The media outlet Meduza reported that some regions began early voting in late August, particularly in remote areas and for Russian military personnel stationed at the front. As of September 17, over 11,500 voters in Kamchatka had participated, with 5,097 voting at sea and approximately 6,500 on land. In Chukotka, 4,054 individuals, mainly geologists, meteorologists, reindeer herders, military personnel, and mining sector workers, took part.
TASS emphasized that, for the first time, residents of occupied territories in Ukraine will elect representatives to the federal parliament.
Ukraine has reacted strongly, condemning this decision. The Ukrainian parliament has issued a statement to the international community regarding Russia’s plans to hold these so-called elections in temporarily occupied territories in parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia regions, and the city of Sevastopol.
The statement clearly outlines Ukraine’s position that any attempts by the Russian occupying administration to conduct this “voting” constitute a severe violation of international law. The results will be deemed legally void and illegitimate both in Russia and by the global community, according to statements from the Verkhovna Rada.
Serhiy Danilov, deputy director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, reported on September 8 about the initiation of these so-called elections in occupied areas. He noted that in villages of Kherson region under Russian control, armed individuals accompanied by locals were visiting homes to collect votes, with residents casting their ballots under duress.
Context
- The State Duma elections are set to occur from September 18 to 20. Previously, the illegitimate President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, addressed the nation, urging all citizens to participate in the voting, supporting “true patriots.” He concluded, “Participation in these elections is our collective contribution to Russia’s victory,” likely omitting the term “United.”
