Putin thanked Central Election Commission workers in new regions for their courage

Employees of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Russia are independent and obey only the laws; in elections in new regions, despite threats, they acted boldly and decisively, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in video message dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Central Election Commission.

The President in his address noted that CEC employees make decisions independently, there are no bosses above them, and they obey only the laws, acting “on the principles of openness, publicity and the highest responsibility.” According to the president, election commission employees are doing “everything to ensure that the elections are held fairly and legitimately.”

Over the past 30 years, the Russian electoral system has come a long way, it is constantly being improved, and it “harmoniously combines tradition and innovation,” Putin is sure. In particular, he mentioned the “unparalleled” video surveillance system and remote electronic voting (DEV).

For the first time, elections were held in new regions of Russia.

“I would like to specifically thank you for your enormous help and assistance in creating the election commissions of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions. For the fact that you acted boldly and decisively, despite difficulties and numerous threats,” the president said.

In his congratulations, Putin also called the Russian electoral system one of the best in the world. It is based on “transparent and understandable election procedures for citizens, on strict compliance with the norms of election legislation, on the protection of national interests, the sovereignty of Russia and the free expression of its citizens,” the head of state explained.

Elections in most regions of Russia passed three days – from 8 to 10 September. Russians voted for heads of regions in 21 constituent entities, as well as for State Duma deputies in four vacant seats in single-mandate electoral districts. Elections were held for the first time in the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions. New regions showed a record high turnout, the CEC reported.