In view of the massive repression of opposition figures in Russia, independent experts described last weekend’s elections as the least free since President Vladimir Putin’s rule began some 24 years ago. krone.at spoke to a former independent election observer in Russia who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons. According to him, the Kremlin is trying to give the world the illusion of normality with so-called ‘elections’ and thus disguise the dictatorship that actually rules.
The Movement for the Protection of Voters’ Rights Golos (German: Voice) reported on Telegram on Saturday about the pressure being exerted on voters and that Golos observers were sometimes denied access to voter lists. There are no longer independent election observers in Russia. krone.at spoke to an expert who closely followed the last major elections in Russia – the 2018 presidential elections. Today such a thing is unthinkable. But even then, we are told, things were not right.
Putin Apparatchik showed “exemplary elections”
It was a typical cold Russian winter day with snow and ice as far as the eye could see. Our interlocutor traveled to Moscow as an independent election observer for the 2018 presidential election. It took place on March 18, 2018 – on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Black Sea peninsula from Crimea. Accompanied by a so-called ‘Putin apparatchik’, an official who is particularly devoted and loyal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, we went from polling station to polling station. For the expert, it was an attempt to show someone from the West how exemplary and democratic Russia is.
Manipulation was clear
He admits to krone.at that everything was clearly manipulated at the time. The apparatchik tried to distract. To him, Russian President Putin was like a god, the insider says. For example, he enthusiastically told him at the polling station that he had even stopped smoking and drinking because Putin didn’t like it.
Praises for Putin
This indoctrination carried me all day. He was repeatedly assured that Putin was the “best candidate in the world,” the expert said. The people are “incredibly happy” to vote, the apparatchik boasted. It was previously ‘such a farce’ and by far his ‘most absurd experience’, according to the insider. For while the official was singing his praises, it was not possible to look to the left or to the right. No critical voices were allowed.
An expert was present ‘undercover’.
Another Western expert, who asked to remain anonymous, told krone.at that she had been “undercover” twice in the Russian elections. She pretended to be Russian and went unnoticed because of her language skills. At first glance, everything seemed “ours,” she reports. There was a voting booth, a committee and an urn. The insult was unbeatable. According to her, when the ballot papers were brought in, some Russians present said with a wink: “It doesn’t matter, they will never be counted anyway.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
