Approximately 290 ballot boxes will operate overseas to facilitate voting in the Russian presidential elections, according to a report from TASS citing Pavel Andreev, a member of the Central Election Commission. The figure highlights a broad international effort to enable Russian citizens abroad to participate in the electoral process.
Andreev explained that 281 ballot boxes will be set up in 144 foreign countries outside Russia, with seven additional boxes previously established in Baikonur also becoming available for use. This expanded network is designed to accommodate voters who reside outside the country and who meet the requirements set by Russian law to cast their ballots.
Previously, the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, stated that the ministry is prepared to respond to the increased turnout anticipated from citizens living abroad. She noted that all Russians who meet the legal criteria will be able to vote, regardless of where they reside, as long as they comply with applicable rules.
In anticipation of foreign participation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned against provocations around the election period. Efforts are being made to engage patriotic citizens and to monitor developments to prevent any attempts to disrupt the voting process or to influence voters who have relocated abroad.
The Russian presidential elections are scheduled to take place from March 15 to March 17, 2024. Incumbent President Vladimir Putin is participating as a self-nominated candidate, with his candidacy officially registered by the Central Election Commission. Should Putin secure victory, it would mark a fifth presidential term. In addition to Putin, the Central Election Commission has registered other candidates, including Leonid Slutsky, Nikolai Kharitonov, and Vladislav Davankov, expanding the field of contenders for the national vote.
Former Chair of the Central Election Commission, Ella Pamfilova, has previously commented on the growing interest in online voting and the overall number of applications received to participate in remote ballots. The evolving stance on online participation reflects ongoing adjustments to how citizens can engage with the electoral process from abroad while maintaining safeguards and transparency in the voting system.