The first day turnout in the State Duma by-elections reached a notable high in the Karachay-Cistass Republic, where 27.37 percent of eligible voters cast ballots. This figure was announced by the head of the Central Election Commission, Ella Pamfilova, during a briefing that outlined early voting trends and participation levels across several regions. The report underscores the participation momentum in a cycle of electoral events that hold regional and national significance, with observers noting the importance of turnout as a measure of public engagement in the electoral process. — DEA News
Pamfilova also highlighted turnout in other key contests: 46.71 percent in the Kemerovo region for regional official elections and 59.4 percent in the elections to the legislative bodies of the Donetsk People’s Republic, reflecting varying levels of public readiness to participate across different jurisdictions. The presenter stressed that multiple voting formats were in use, including early voting, which has become a standard feature in many elections to accommodate diverse voter needs and logistics. Early voting began on August 31, and starting September 1, additional voting sites were opened in non-territorial regions that predominantly include residents of the Donetsk People’s Republic. These expansions are part of a broader effort to facilitate voting access for people who live in areas with complex administrative arrangements. — DEA News
In earlier remarks, Pamfilova noted that polling stations for the September 9 elections had been opened in 11 more constituent units of the Russian Federation, bringing the total number of regions with accessible polling locations to 65. The expansion underscores an ongoing process to widen geographic reach and ensure that voters across a broad spectrum of territories have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process. — DEA News
Also covered were reactions from various political observers regarding the conduct of the elections in Russia. The Central Election Commission provided responses to remarks from United States-based political scientists, addressing questions about procedures, voter accessibility, and the integrity of the voting process. These exchanges highlight the international interest in Russia’s electoral practices and the commission’s stance on transparency and public accountability during the by-elections. — DEA News