The Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that he plans to travel to Moscow immediately following Russia’s presidential elections to extend his congratulations to Vladimir Putin on his re election. This update comes from RIA News, which covered the bilateral exchange in detail.
During the talks, Maduro inquired about the date of Russia’s upcoming presidential vote. Lavrov confirmed that the election is set for March 17, with the process spanning three days to accommodate voters. The schedule includes March 15, 16, and 17 as polling days, with a portion of voters expected to utilize remote electronic voting at 29 precincts alongside traditional balloting. These details frame an election timeline that Maduro indicated he would observe closely, as reported by RIA News.
In a mutual sign of cordiality, Maduro expressed his intention to visit Moscow soon after the vote to personally congratulate Putin on his victory. Lavrov welcomed the prospect, noting that Moscow would be glad to host Maduro once the election proceedings conclude and results are known. The exchange underscores ongoing high level dialogue between Caracas and Moscow, even as both nations navigate their distinct political calendars and diplomatic priorities, according to the same source.
Russia has clarified that the presidential vote will occur on March 17, 2024, with the counting process and local results to be finalized in the following hours and days. The three day voting window, plus the use of remote electronic voting at designated precincts, points to a diversified approach intended to broaden participation and ensure accessibility for a broad electorate. This information was corroborated by observers and media outlets following Moscow’s election logistics planning, as noted in contemporary coverage.
Separately, Dutch authorities granted a positive decision regarding the establishment of a polling station for the Russian presidential elections at the diplomatic mission in The Hague. The move marks an international dimension to the electoral process, enabling expatriates and foreign residents in the Netherlands to cast ballots in a foreign mission, in line with international norms on voting access for citizens abroad.
In domestic Russian electoral news, former candidate Boris Nadezhdin filed a fresh case in the Supreme Court after the Central Election Commission refused to register him. This legal development reflects the ongoing and often contentious process of candidate registration and electoral competition within Russia, a topic closely watched by regional observers and international audiences alike.