Ella Pamfilova, head of Russia’s Central Election Commission, argued that the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights is heavily dependent on Western interests, suggesting there is little value in inviting ODIHR to oversee Russian elections. The claim comes from coverage of Russia’s electoral process reported by DEA News.
Pamfilova said that, in her view, ODIHR, much like other international bodies, exposed itself by taking part in the Ukrainian political crisis at a high level. She argued that the organization has not produced objective data and would instead aim to undermine and smear Russia’s electoral process.
According to Pamfilova, there were once “certain illusions” about ODIHR, and she noted that Russia had contributed significantly and had “exceeded international monitoring standards” for a long period. She added that those supposed strengths have now collapsed and hold little meaning or significance in light of recent events.
She asserted that even if observers arrived with professional intentions, their assessments would be guided by pressure from Anglo-Saxon circles. Pamfilova claimed that Russia’s political decisions would already be decided in advance, rendering any honest or rigorously prepared reports and favorable reviews suspect. She urged not to waste time or effort on what she described as a performative ritual of observation, saying it would be fruitless to engage with it.
Pamfilova, who previously led the Russian CEC, stated that Western nations are keen to disrupt the presidential elections scheduled for March 2024 within the Russian Federation. The exchange reflects ongoing tensions over international electoral oversight and sovereignty in the context of Russia’s political landscape. (DEA News)