The Russian presidential election has been deemed transparent and democratic, Zhang Ming, SCO Secretary-General and head of the SCO observer mission, said in a briefing at the Russian Central election commission.
"The mission recognizes the recent elections as transparent, reliable, and democratic. We express our gratitude to the Ministry of foreign affairs and the Central election commission of the Russian Federation for their necessary assistance provided to the mission and the conducive conditions created for our work during the presidential election in the Russian Federation," - he remarked. - "The mission extends congratulations to the people of the Russian Federation on the successful completion of the presidential election."
According to the secretary-general, voting took place in a calm, amicable atmosphere with adherence to order, devoid of external interference and tension. "There were no complaints or remarks at the polling stations we visited, and no instances of security breaches were recorded. The mission asserts that the elections adhered to the requirements of the electoral legislation of the Russian Federation," he affirmed.
Election commission operations
Zhang Ming highlighted the openness and transparency characterizing the operations of election commissions during the Russian presidential election.
"The mission observers assessed the work of election commissions on voting days as transparent and open, with attentive and professional communication <...> with voters and other participants in the electoral process," he stated.
Additionally, the SCO observer mission commended the active engagement of voters and the professionalism demonstrated in the organization of the elections. "The mission acknowledges the active participation of voters in voting and the high level of professionalism among local election officials," Zhang Ming added. "Members of the election commission ensured the necessary conditions for the voting procedure and provided comprehensive explanations on arising issues when approached," he emphasized.
Remote electronic voting (REV)
Zhang Ming lauded the extensive implementation of the remote electronic voting (REV) system during the Russian presidential election.
"We observed the introduction of a new remote electronic voting system during the election process. We view this new system as an innovative measure by the Russian government to offer all necessary conveniences to voters," he informed reporters.
"In China, we have already partially implemented this system in certain areas, but not yet on the scale witnessed in Russia this time," Zhang Ming added.
He noted that the election proceedings in Russia unfolded in a "serene, amiable, and hospitable atmosphere, where voters demonstrated very active, responsible, and confident civic engagement."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: sco-russia2020.ru/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS