A proposal advancing through the legislative process aims to curb attempts to disrupt elections by criminal acts such as arson and other illegal interventions. The draft envisions prison terms reaching up to eight years for individuals who interfere with the electoral process, particularly when their actions are intended to compromise the vote itself. The statements came from Yana Lantratova, a deputy head of the Fair Russia – For Truth party and a member of the Duma commission charged with evaluating foreign interference in Russia’s internal affairs. The remarks were reported by TASS. Lantratova emphasized that the state should respond with harsher penalties for those who tamper with elections, especially when the actions pose a danger to public safety or take on a violent character. The overarching idea is that any attempt to destabilize the electoral process should be met with strong accountability, underscoring the seriousness with which election protection is treated. In Lantratova’s view, individuals acting on direct orders from foreign interests during a special operation should bear heavier responsibility. The draft law proposes longer prison terms, ranging from five to eight years, in those scenarios, signaling a move toward substantial consequences for such conduct. She pledged to prepare the draft law and bring it forward for consideration at the earliest opportunity. A separate incident in Moscow has already prompted authorities to open a criminal case after a voting booth was set on fire, illustrating the real world risks that election related violence poses. This development follows a prior decision by the Central Election Commission to strengthen the security of ballot boxes in response to damage to polling infrastructure. These measures collectively reflect a broader push to safeguard the integrity of elections and deter acts that threaten the democratic process. TASS
