The Moscow prosecutor’s office indicated that calls urging people to vote at a specific time could be considered a violation of the law. The official statement was released through the department’s telegram channel. The message emphasizes that urging participation in mass political activity coordinated to disrupt or undermine electoral procedures is treated as a legal violation.
Authorities warn that organizing or participating in uncoordinated mass events aimed at breaking election laws may lead to criminal sanctions. The reported guidance underscores the state’s stance on maintaining orderly voting processes and preventing actions seen as attempts to influence the electoral outcome outside formal channels.
Earlier, questions were raised about the OSCE/ODIHR’s participation in Russia’s presidential elections, with ongoing debate surrounding the role of international observers and the responsibilities of the Central Election Commission.
On March 15, presidential voting began in Russia, including remote participation options. The voting period extends through March 17, allowing a broad segment of the electorate to cast ballots from various locations and by different means.
For the first time since 2008, four candidates stood for the presidency. The nominees included Vladislav Davankov representing the New People party, Vladimir Putin running on a self-supported ticket, Leonid Slutsky of the LDPR, and Nikolai Kharitonov of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation. The field reflects a mix of political profiles and policy platforms as the campaign progressed.
Should Vladimir Putin secure another term as president, it would mark his fifth time occupying the office. Analysts and observers followed the voting process closely, including early online coverage and analyses authored by editorial teams at media organizations such as Newspapers.ru, which discussed expectations for the first day of the vote and the path toward final results.
Putin has repeatedly framed his leadership as a guarantor of stability and continuity, emphasizing a resolve to prevent dictatorship and safeguard national interests. The political discourse surrounding the election involved debates over governance, constitutional interpretation, and the balance of powers within the Russian political system.