The head of state issued directives aimed at strengthening public oversight of elections and highlighted the critical role of public trust in the country’s electoral processes. Alena Bulgakova, a representative of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation and leader of the All-Russian People’s Movement, Clean Elections Corps, voiced this view after her discussion with members of the Human Rights Council about the newly released presidential instructions.
In an interview with socialbites.ca, the expert remarked that the president’s call to reinforce public control mechanisms in elections signals several key developments. She noted that the president concentrated on ensuring that Russians from diverse circles—prominent figures, respected professionals, and active community members—form the core of the infrastructure that guarantees election transparency. Supporting these communities, she added, is essential for creating a robust and credible monitoring ecosystem that can withstand scrutiny.
Bulgakova stressed that election observation in Russia should be understood as a dynamic, evolving practice rather than a static entity. It must adapt to new societal demands and the changing landscape of public engagement, continually refining the processes that safeguard fair voting.
The expert underlined the president’s emphasis on expanding and strengthening the institution of election observation across the country. According to her, this vision envisions a broader, more inclusive collaboration among independent watchdogs and professional associations, including the Independent Society for Public Monitoring (NOM), the Civil Chamber of the Russian Federation, and the Russian Lawyers Association. These organizations are prepared to discuss and consolidate recommendations from all participants involved in public monitoring, turning feedback into practical reforms.
She also pointed out that the 2022 federal, regional, and local elections demonstrated that when public activists work together, every vote can be subject to public scrutiny. This collaborative spirit helps ensure transparency and accountability in electoral outcomes, reinforcing public confidence in the process.
The representative concluded that ongoing work will persist in developing targeted monitoring mechanisms and refining operational tools. Her remarks echoed the sense that improvements in public oversight are not one-time changes but a continuous effort that evolves with political and civic life.
It is worth recalling that on January 13, after the meeting of the Council for the Advancement of Civil Society and Human Rights held on December 7, 2022, a list of presidential instructions was published. The opening paragraph of the presidential administration called for coordination with the Central Election Commission and human rights commissioners to discuss ways to improve public control of the electoral process. This framing indicates a deliberate, multi-institutional approach to reforming oversight structures and ensuring their alignment with democratic norms.
Valery Fadeev, head of the Human Rights Council, stated to reporters that none of the questions raised during the council meeting were left without further instruction from the president. This reassurance signals a commitment to follow through on recommendations and integrate expert insights into concrete policy steps that safeguard electoral integrity and public confidence.