Residents in Russia-occupied regions of Ukraine are facing coercion to participate in the upcoming presidential election, according to reports from various sources. Election officials are reportedly going door-to-door to collect early ballot forms with the names of four candidates, including current Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Many residents feel pressured to comply with armed Russian soldiers standing nearby during the voting process, leading to concerns about the legitimacy of the election. Some individuals hope that participating in the election will help them escape the occupied areas, but others worry about facing consequences if they refuse to vote or criticize the process.
Those who have spoken out against the election or refused to participate have allegedly been taken to informal prisons, raising further alarm about the lack of freedom and democracy in the region. Observers anticipate significant vote rigging in the occupied regions to inflate turnout and support for Putin, as Russian-appointed officials are urging residents to vote for him despite the use of coercion and manipulation.
Adding to the controversy, Moscow has allowed voting without red Russian passports, in violation of election laws. Strict security measures have been implemented amid alleged threats from Ukrainian intelligence services, further complicating the situation.
Ukrainian observers have questioned the necessity of holding elections in Russia, especially with Putin’s long-standing grip on power. The Ukrainian government has condemned the election in the occupied areas as a violation of international law, raising concerns about the manipulation and coercion being used to influence the results in favor of Putin.
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