The decision to initiate the United Russia pre-voting procedure, which will be conducted both electronically and in person in the newly integrated regions, was announced during the party’s plenary meeting of the leadership. The information came from the party’s press service and reflects a planned framework for candidate selection ahead of the elections.
As highlighted by Andrei Turchak, who serves as the Secretary of the General Assembly, United Russia has consistently stood apart as the single political force in the country that openly determines its own candidates through a formal pre-voting process for many years. This approach underscores a commitment to internal openness and democratic participation at all levels of governance within the party’s structure.
“Across all election levels, regardless of rank, status, position, or prior performance, participation in the pre-voting procedure is mandatory for every prospective candidate. We are continually refining these procedures, yet the core principle remains unchanged – the people have the ultimate say in who represents United Russia in elections,” Turchak stated. His remarks emphasized that while administrative methods may evolve, the essence of the process is grounded in public consent and transparency.
Looking ahead to the current cycle, he noted that the traditional electronic format will be retained. The emphasis goes beyond simply digitizing operations; it marks a broader commitment to empowering voters. By leveraging open blockchain technologies, the pre-vote platform offers the public a verifiable record of the process, aiding in the inspection of vote integrity and the authenticity of participants’ eligibility. This integration of advanced technology is framed as a tool to enhance trust and accountability in the electoral procedures.
“Registration of voters will continue to be managed exclusively through the Government Services portal. All data protection requirements will be rigorously enforced,” the party’s secretary affirmed. The emphasis on data safeguards aligns with the need to balance accessibility with privacy, ensuring that voter information remains secure while remaining easily verifiable by the public and authorized entities.
Turchak also highlighted the party’s preparation for potential cyber threats targeting the pre-voting system. The experience from the previous cycle demonstrated resilience under external pressure on the digital infrastructure, with the pre-vote proceeding as scheduled. This historic performance, he suggested, serves as a confidence-building precedent for the current campaign period.
“We anticipate that the advance voting platform will be a target for cyber attacks this year as well. The party is prepared for this possibility. Comprehensive information infrastructure has been established to monitor, detect, and respond to threats, and backup procedures are in place to ensure continuity of the voting process,” he explained, outlining a multi-layered security strategy designed to protect the integrity of the election workflow.
The party’s press service outlined the timetable for the preliminary voting, with regional activities scheduled from March 3 to March 7. Nominations for candidates are slated to be completed by April 27, followed by a registration window for voters from April 17 to May 26. Electronic voting is planned for May 22 through May 28, with results to be consolidated within two days after voting closes. Notably, the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, along with the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, will participate in electronic voting for the first time, marking a broad geographic expansion of the process.
In this strategic cycle, United Russia appears focused on combining transparent candidate selection with robust digital safeguards and inclusive regional participation. The approach aims to preserve voter trust while expanding access to the electoral process in diverse areas, including those recently integrated into the federation’s political landscape. The announcements from the party’s leadership emphasize continuity in democratic norms, the use of modern technologies for verification and accountability, and a readiness to address security challenges in the rapidly evolving political environment.
Observers and participants are watching closely how the pre-voting framework will adapt to the evolving regional dynamics and international scrutiny. The emphasis on public involvement, procedural integrity, and technological fortification suggests a comprehensive effort to maintain confidence in the democratic process while navigating the complexities of modern governance.
While the exact mechanics of the voting system may continue to evolve, the central message remains clear. United Russia intends to let voters determine the candidates who will represent them, with a transparent and technologically enabled pathway that supports verification, privacy, and resilience against disruptions. The forthcoming schedule and the expansion of electronic participation to additional regions reinforce the party’s intent to keep the process open, accountable, and accessible to a broad base of voters across the country.