The Central Election Commission of Russia announced plans on Wednesday to establish special polling stations along the country's borders with Poland, Belarus, and the Baltic states for next week's presidential election. Russian citizens living in these neighboring countries will have the opportunity to vote at designated polling locations in Leningrad, Pskov, and Kaliningrad.
Igor Sopov, head of the CEC branch in the Pskov region, acknowledged the challenges faced by Russian voters abroad and emphasized the importance of ensuring they can exercise their right to vote. Mobile polling stations will be set up to accommodate these voters, providing them with the opportunity to cast their ballots in specially equipped buses while enjoying complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks.
The upcoming March 15-17 presidential election in Russia is expected to be won by President Vladimir Putin, who faces minimal opposition on the ballot. To ensure transparency, election officials have confirmed that polling stations, including those on buses, will have cameras to monitor the voting process.
The CEC's announcement on Wednesday followed a statement from Latvia's Justice Minister implying that Russian citizens in the Baltic country would be violating the law by voting at the Russian embassy in Riga. She claimed that voting in the upcoming presidential election would be seen as supporting Moscow's actions in Ukraine, where Russia is conducting elections in occupied territories and Crimea.
Latvia's Justice Minister said that Russian citizens living in the Baltic country who plan to vote in Russia's upcoming presidential election are essentially showing support for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The minister explained that while they cannot prevent these citizens from entering the embassy to vote, they may face criminal liability under Latvian law for justifying the war if they choose to do so.
Two polling stations are set to open at the Russian embassy in Riga for the election. The minister also mentioned that Latvia has expressed disapproval of Russia's actions, as voting will also take place in parts of occupied Ukraine.
