The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) expressed disappointment that Russia did not invite its observers to the upcoming presidential elections.
“This contradicts the OSCE commitments made by Russia and, at the same time, denies voters and the country's institutions an impartial and independent assessment of the elections,” said the head of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR ), Matteo Mecacci. according to a statement distributed today.
Putin's candidacy is possible until 2030
Russia will elect a new president between March 15th and 17th. It is certain that the current Vladimir Putin will emerge victorious in his fifth presidential election. Candidates who do not pose serious competition to the incumbent are expected to only be admitted to the next presidential election.
Meanwhile, Putin was officially approved by the Central Election Commission as the fourth candidate to run in the elections. Other candidates have until Jan. 31 to submit the necessary signatures of eligible voters and documents To as candidates, election director Ella Pamfilova said in Moscow.
Admission of Kremlin critics questionable
It is questionable, however, whether candidate Boris Nadezhdin, who is also supported by Russia's anti-Kremlin opposition, will be allowed to vote. The 60-year-old calls for an end to the war against Ukraine. So far, Nadezhdin has collected more than 200 thousand signatures from supporters, some of whom stood in long lines. This is about twice what is needed. However, the electoral commission repeatedly declares many signatures invalid due to formal objections.
Putin changed the constitution specifically so he could run again. According to the currently valid version of the Constitution, the 71-year-old will be able to run for the last time in 2030. The presidential term in Russia is six years. The 2021 parliamentary elections have already taken place without OSCE observers. The organization decided to take this measure after Russian authorities previously imposed severe restrictions on election observation.