Russia accuses “unfriendly” countries of obstructing overseas voting

Russian authorities have accused several countries designated by Moscow as “unfriendly” of attempting to disrupt voting by Russian citizens abroad ahead of September’s State Duma elections, Gennady Ovechko, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Work with Compatriots Abroad, said in an interview with TASS.

According to Ovechko, Russian embassies and consulates in some countries are facing obstacles in opening polling stations for citizens living overseas. He also claimed that diplomatic staff are being subjected to administrative restrictions.

“Local authorities are using flimsy excuses to prevent the opening of polling stations on the premises of diplomatic missions, are imposing administrative restrictions on embassy and consulate staff, and are spreading disinformation through media outlets under their control in order to intimidate our citizens and disrupt the electoral process,” Ovechko said.

The official did not specify which countries were allegedly involved but said the situation was causing concern for Russian authorities.

Russia is scheduled to hold nationwide voting from September 18 to 20. In addition to elections for the State Duma, several regions will also hold gubernatorial elections and votes for regional legislative assemblies.

By Sabina Mammadli