Russia’s Central Election Commission has approved the forthcoming presidential election to be held in partially occupied Ukrainian regions, according to a report by Interfax on Monday.
According to Interfax, a Russian news source, Russia’s Armed Forces and the Federal Security Service believe that the voting process can take place in areas where fighting still exists. This comment comes as Russia’s conflict against Ukraine enters its second year.
According to Russian law, the CEC may hold elections in areas that are subject to martial law, but only after first conferring with the Defence Ministry and FSB, Moscow Times reports.
The Kremlin has announced the annexation of several regions in Ukraine. The areas affected include Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
“Not only is the electoral system of the four [occupied regions]… in working order, but it’s highly professional,” said deputy CEC chairman Nikolai Bulayev.
The President Vladimir Putin intends to seek a fifth term in office.
He is expected to win given the current political landscape in Russia.
The next year’s presidential election is scheduled for March 15–17.