Russia steps up monitoring of coloring substances ahead of elections

Russian police are monitoring the sale of iodine, antiseptic dye and other coloring substances ahead of elections in the Tyumen region.

Local pharmacies have received recommendations not to sell such products in large quantities. A Tyumen pharmacist told local media that police officers had visited the pharmacy and advised staff not to sell iodine, antiseptic dye and other coloring agents from September 18 to 20.

“Some of our colleagues were told not to sell these products in quantities of five or more,” the pharmacist said.

The measures are preventive rather than formal restrictions. However, police are expected to monitor individuals seeking to purchase large quantities of the substances. Law enforcement authorities have not yet commented on the reports.

The move follows incidents during Russia’s 2024 presidential election, when voters in several regions poured antiseptic dye and other coloring liquids into ballot boxes, rendering ballots invalid.

The first such incidents were reported on March 15 in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and the Voronezh, Volgograd and Rostov regions. Central Election Commission Chairwoman Ella Pamfilova said at the time that many people detained over ballot-box damage admitted to receiving money for the acts.

Following three days of voting, the Central Election Commission reported that dozens of ballot boxes had been damaged in incidents involving poured liquids and attempted arson.

By Vafa Guliyeva