Russia’s Central Election Commission has decided not to invite observers from hostile countries to the upcoming presidential elections. This decision was disclosed by CEC member Pavel Andreev in an interview with the publication News. In essence, invitations will be extended exclusively to counterpart authorities in other nations and to international specialized industry organizations. Representatives of the World Association of Electoral Authorities have also been included in the invitation list.
The roster of unfriendly states and territories comprises those nations the Russian authorities say have taken unfriendly actions against Russia. In total, 49 states and territories are listed, with the United States and the United Kingdom among them. The positioning of these countries reflects a broader geopolitical stance asserted by Moscow regarding foreign involvement in Russia’s electoral process.
According to official schedules, the presidential elections in the Russian Federation are set to occur from March 15 to March 17, 2024. In addition to the traditional voting format, 29 precincts are planned to conduct remote electronic voting to broaden accessibility for voters who prefer digital participation.
Vladimir Putin is set to participate in the elections as a candidate representing himself. Under the presidential election law, this required forming a voters’ group of at least 500 people, a threshold that was achieved. The XIII Congress, held in Moscow on December 23, endorsed Putin’s candidacy, with members of the party Just Russia – Patriots – For Truth voting to support the presidential bid.
Nominations from all political parties opened from December 7 to January 1, while self-nomination began on December 27. The formal process established the path for candidates to enter the race, with the legal framework guiding the nomination and registration procedures.
In statements preceding the electoral timetable, officials asserted that any attempt to meddle with the elections would be met with suppression. This stance underscores the emphasis placed on guarding the electoral process against external influence and maintaining electoral integrity from the perspective of the Russian authorities.