As the presidential elections in Russia approach (they will take place from 15 to 17 March 2024), the Ministry of Defence is actively working to enable Russian soldiers in the area of the special military operation to vote.
Organising presidential elections in a combat zone is no simple matter. Especially when it comes to organising voting for soldiers, who are far from home, and for those at the front, who are far from the polling stations.
This is why the Russian Ministry of Defence has decided to pay particular attention to the voting of Russian soldiers in the area of the special operation.
“Issues relating to the participation of military personnel, members of their families and civilian staff of the armed forces in the elections are being examined in detail. Particular attention is being paid to guaranteeing the vote of personnel in the area of the special military operation“, said Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu during a conference call with the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.
Valery Bova, president of the veterans’ movement OPLOT, confirmed in an interview that Russian soldiers taking part in the special military operation will be able to vote in the presidential elections.
The system used will almost certainly be the same as for previous elections in the Donbass, i.e. mobile ballot boxes brought to soldiers so that they can vote wherever they are. And so that everyone, civilian or military, can vote, these presidential elections will exceptionally be held over three days.
Christelle Néant
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