The President also spoke with Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova.
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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, first of all, congratulations on the start of your work in your new composition.
I hope that both the experienced members of the Central Election Commission and those newly appointed to such responsible roles will work closely as a well-coordinated team, setting a high bar for the almost one million colleagues working hard in election commissions across our vast country.
Competitive and democratic elections are the mandatory and irreplaceable constitutional instrument, essential for forming strong and capable governance. They are always important, and as I often say these days, they are two or three times more important for us under current conditions. Elections build our people’s confidence in the state and form the basis of direct public engagement in state governance and in the formation of governance bodies. Consequently, they foster public trust in the administration, political stability, and the continuity of our sovereign development.
At the same time, there are many aspects that depend specifically on you, so that every citizen understands the significance and the impact of their vote, and so that they can be certain of the legitimacy of the overall result.
This year poses some extremely serious challenges for you. In addition to many regional and local campaigns, there will be elections to the ninth convocation of the State Duma. Only the people of Russia, and no one else, can decide who the newly elected deputies will be. But, of course, and I want to repeat this, the public’s confidence in these institutions will also depend on the quality of your work. I must stress: no one, no external forces, will be given a single chance to interfere with or influence the course of the public vote, and especially its outcome. We will intercept any attempts to use the elections to destabilise our society.
I have set respective tasks for the Russian law enforcement agencies. I hope that election commission workers will ensure strict adherence to Russian legislation, and demonstrate objectivity, integrity and professionalism.
I ask you to focus specifically on security and maintain continuous contact with the Interior Ministry, the National Guard and other agencies.
In Donbass, Novorossiya and our border regions, we must take advantage of the unique election experience gained over the course of the special military operation.
I would like to once again express my gratitude to your colleagues who are working under extremely challenging conditions, in close proximity to combat zones. Despite ongoing shelling, provocations and personal threats they regularly face – which, regrettably, have become routine – they continue to carry out their duty to the people of Russia with courage.
The citizens who came out to vote also showed resilience and a strong Russian character. As I have mentioned earlier, people were literally queuing at polling stations, even with shells and drones operating nearby.
There is another important point worth highlighting. An increasing number of combat veterans, who are true participants and heroes of the special military operation, are seeking to continue serving Russia and to prove themselves in civilian life, including by pursuing roles in elected positions. I ask that you support your colleagues locally in assisting these candidates by ensuring that all necessary documentation is processed promptly and accurately, along with the completion of other pre-election procedures.
Furthermore, the Central Election Commission now includes a member with combat experience. I am confident he will offer valuable guidance on how best to support fellow servicemen who plan to run in elections to the Duma and at other levels. Isn’t that right, Mr Sysoyev?
Member of the Central Election Commission Anatoly Sysoyev: Absolutely.
Vladimir Putin: Mr Sysoyev has been appointed to the Central Election Commission under the presidential quota.
I am aware that all parliamentary parties are giving significant attention to these matters. While they naturally compete with one another – a normal and healthy dynamic – they are also united by a shared objective of the utmost national importance: boosting human resources potential by involving capable and battle-experienced individuals who have demonstrated genuine loyalty to the Motherland in government institutions, public organisations and mentorship systems.
Colleagues, our modern electoral system has been in development for over 30 years. It has undergone a complex process of establishment, steady advancement and substantial modernisation, with due account of national interests, voters’ expectations, and the latest technologies and technological capabilities.
Our priorities and principles are evident. They are aimed at ensuring equal conditions for candidates, fair competition, and unquestionable election outcomes, and focus on safeguarding the process from manipulation and unlawful interference, including cyber threats, while expanding accessibility and making voting as convenient as possible for citizens. I would like to thank you, as well as the previous members of the Central Election Commission, for your extensive and thorough efforts in this regard.
As an independent and professional authority, the Central Election Commission must continue to guarantee the reliability and effectiveness of our electoral system. It should consistently look ahead and focus on its development and future improvements, while maintaining its status as an advanced, transparent, open, and robust system, rightly regarded as one of the best in the world. This recognition is well deserved and must be preserved.
I wish you every success. Thank you very much.
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