Putin: elections in Russia were open, fair and competitive

Russian President Vladimir Putin called the results of the September elections in the regions worthy, they were held openly, honestly and in a competitive battle. He announced this during a meeting with elected heads of Russian constituent entities.

“The results of the elections of regional heads are very convincing. We talk about this often. It is so indeed. This level of trust means even greater responsibility. I’m sure you understand this,” he said, addressing 26 elected regional heads.

Putin also noted that the high turnout demonstrated the growing civic maturity of society. “People understand how important it is to participate in elections, to responsibly determine the future of their region, their country, and therefore the future of their family and their children,” the president added.

The head of state noted that for the first time in the historical territories of Russia, elections were held according to the country’s legislation. “And this is, of course, a significant event, an important step towards the full entry of new regions into the single legal, state space of our large country,” the president said.

Elections of regional heads were held in Russia on September 10 (in most regions – within three days from September 8 to 10). In direct elections, they voted for the heads of 21 regions, another five regional leaders (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions) were elected to legislative assemblies.