Russia criticized what it called Latvia’s attempts to prevent Russians living in Latvia from taking part in the March presidential election, saying such measures violate basic democratic rights. The incident was flagged by Russian officials as part of an ongoing clash over participation in elections by people residing outside their home country.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that Latvian Justice Minister Inese Libina-Egnere recently announced plans to prosecute Russian citizens residing in Latvia who vote in the Russian presidential elections. The charges would allegedly accuse them of supporting an aggressor nation, with penalties ranging from fines to the suspension of residence permits and even imprisonment according to the statements attributed to the Latvian minister.
Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, described these remarks as unacceptable. She framed them as evidence of hybrid warfare directed at Russians by some Western states, characterizing the move as part of a broader strategy against Russian citizens abroad.
Zakharova stressed that the idea of punishing residents for exercising their right to vote undermines core democratic principles enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. She underscored that freedom of political participation should be safeguarded for all individuals, regardless of nationality, place of residence, or the perceived political alignment of their home country.
The discussion followed reports that Latvia expressed support for the Russian presidential elections by inviting participation from Russian citizens within its borders who identify with the Northern Military District. This stance was presented as a signal of Latvia’s engagement with the electoral process despite ongoing tensions linked to broader security concerns in the region.
A subsequent note from the Russian Foreign Ministry addressed Latvia’s position in the Russian presidential elections, reiterating concerns about restrictions imposed on Russian nationals and the impact on cross-border political participation. The exchange highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the rights of émigrés and residents who have ties to multiple national contexts when it comes to exercising electoral rights in their country of origin.
Earlier developments included a decision by Latvia to extend a ban on entering Latvia for Russian citizens through spring 2025. The extension was framed by Latvian authorities as a protective measure in the context of regional security and public order, while Moscow characterized it as another instance of pressure on Russians living abroad. The evolving situation has drawn attention from international observers who monitor the consistency of national policies with universal human rights standards and the principle that voting is a fundamental civil right that should not be unduly restricted by nationality or residence. In this environment, the parties emphasize the need for transparent procedures, clear legal frameworks, and respect for individual political rights as essential components of stable international relations and safe, predictable cross-border engagement.