The Kremlin predetermined the outcome of the elections in the occupied territories
Russia is preparing to carry out large-scale fraud during the so-called State Duma elections in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. The Kremlin wants to use the vote to create the impression of broad support for the occupying authorities.
According to available information, the Russian authorities plan to ensure a voter turnout of over 65–70% and at least 70% of the votes in favor of the “United Russia” party.
“Putin’s administration has set the goal of ensuring a turnout of over 65–70% in the temporarily occupied territories, as well as securing at least 70% support for ‘United Russia,’” he wrote.
Kovalenko emphasized that holding Russian elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine is illegal. At the same time, Moscow plans to use them as a tool to attempt to legitimize the occupation. The head of the Center for Political Analysis also drew attention to the rhetoric of the Russian election campaign. According to him, Russian political forces effectively support the continuation of the war against Ukraine.
“The State Duma elections in Russia are currently taking place amid widespread rhetoric in support of a perpetual war—all political forces support the continuation of hostilities against Ukraine,” he noted.
According to Kovalenko, anti-war sentiments are being systematically excluded from the electoral process: “The anti-war party ‘Yabloko’ was demonstratively removed from the election so that it would not gain a significant percentage of the vote.”
At the same time, he said, a segment of the Russian population opposed to continuing the war is growing. Such sentiments, Kovalenko noted, are primarily observed in the regions, but they also exist in Moscow, where rumors of a possible mobilization, in particular, are viewed negatively.
This warning came from Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.
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The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has called for the Yabloko party to be barred from the elections.
