A vote using a Ukrainian passport will be allowed for residents in the new regions during Russia’s presidential elections. This was conveyed by Ella Pamfilova, chairperson of Russia’s Central Election Commission, in an interview.
“I believe this is the only correct course,” was her concise reply when asked for clarification.
Pamfilova noted that during the June flooding in the Kherson region, sparked by the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant incident, many residents lost not only homes but also crucial documents, including Russian passports.
She emphasized that those who permanently reside in these areas but have not yet received a Russian passport, or who have suffered documentation losses, should have the right to vote using a document that confirms their identity.
Nevertheless, she added that the ultimate list of acceptable voting documents will be determined by local authorities.
Earlier, the movements New People and Growth Party reached an agreement to unite and run a single candidate for the election — Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Vladislav Davankov.
The deadline for self-nominated candidates to submit documents is December 27. Party-backed candidates must file no later than January 1. Candidates nominated through parliamentary parties are exempt from collecting signatures. The Yabloko party had previously announced that its leader, Grigory Yavlinsky, would not participate in the elections. As of December 23, Pamfilova reported that the number of presidential hopefuls had risen to 29.
Earlier, the Central Election Commission commented in response to statements by U.S. political scientists about Russia’s elections.