Russia’s presidential election, as detailed in a report released by the voter rights NGO Golos, has been characterised by a lack of independent observers and a pervasive atmosphere of fear and coercion, according to their findings published on Monday.

The NGO also highlighted an unprecedented surge in violent incidents, attributing this to the increased powers granted to the police. Ultimately, the report labeled the election as a sham.

Golos’s report pointed out that changes to electoral laws prior to the election curtailed the rights of the electorate, restricted public monitoring of polling stations, and facilitated state manipulation of the process.

Notably, Golos underscored that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s candidacy for another term was only made possible by constitutional amendments passed in 2020.

Furthermore, the report noted a tightening of restrictions on freedom of expression, particularly since the conflict in Ukraine, rendering criticism of the government’s actions increasingly untenable.

The process for potential candidates to gather the necessary signatures for candidacy was described as significantly more arduous, while the introduction of online voting and a three-day voting period further reduced transparency, with flaws in the online voting system noted by analysts.

Golos criticised the reliance of election organisers on authorities to boost voter turnout, citing official data indicating a high turnout among those registered for online voting.

However, Golos pointed out discrepancies and received numerous reports of electoral fraud, further undermining the legitimacy of the electoral process.

The report highlighted a surge in violent incidents during the election period, including instances of ballot tampering, arson of ballot boxes, and even fake bomb threats to polling stations.

While no fatalities were reported, injuries were sustained in certain incidents, such as in Perm, where a woman set off a firecracker at a polling station.

In Chisinau, Moldova, a man threw a Molotov cocktail at the Russian Embassy, where voting was taking place in the presidential election.

Golos also noted a significant decrease in the number of election observers compared to previous presidential elections, attributing this decline to the lack of effort from candidates and parties to ensure independent monitoring.

Most complaints received by Golos pertained to the obstruction or expulsion of observers, acts of violence against them, and instances of voter coercion.

Additionally, there were reports of voters being restricted from taking photographs or videos, moving freely within polling stations, and submitting complaints, all of which are within voters’ rights.

Furthermore, Golos highlighted the expanding powers of the police, citing incidents where officers intervened in the electoral process, including demanding access to spoiled ballot boxes and overseeing voters’ actions.

This heightened police presence was seen as reflective of the broader tension within the country, with Golos drawing parallels to paramilitary dynamics observed in regions like Chechnya and occupied territories in Ukraine.

Golos’s report presents a critical assessment of the Russian presidential election, condemning it as a sham characterised by electoral irregularities, coercion, and violence.

The findings underscore significant challenges to the integrity and fairness of the electoral process, raising concerns about the further erosion of democratic principles in Russia.

Main Image: By kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67452070

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Read also: EU Criticizes Russia’s “Presidential Elections” & Conduct in Occupied Territories of Ukraine

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