Amendments to law on presidential elections have been supported in Russia

State Duma deputies adopted in the first reading a bill clarifying the provisions of the Federal Law “On the Election of the President of the Russian Federation.”

According to the current electoral legislation of the Russian Federation, the elections of the President of the Russian Federation should take place in mid-March 2024. The Federation Council of the Russian Federation will make the final decision on their date in December 2023 (no earlier than 100 and no later than 90 days before voting day).

“Considering these deadlines, it is necessary to adjust several legislative norms,” said Pavel Krasheninnikov, co-author of the amendments and relevant committee chairman.

The bill clarifies the provisions of the Federal Law “On the Election of the President of the Russian Federation” and aligns it with previously introduced amendments to federal laws.

It is envisaged to clarify the provisions regarding photo and video filming at polling stations. Thus, it can only be carried out by persons with the right to do so following the law; violation of the secrecy of voting and control over the expression of the will of voters is excluded. Maintaining the confidentiality of personal data in voter lists and other documents is also mandatory.

The rule is established that if a registered candidate has a criminal record, an obligation is introduced to submit information about this in writing to the election commission that registered him.

The bill establishes the specifics of opening and using accounts opened for election commissions, regulates the issues of remuneration of their members, and also establishes the possibility of co-financing from the budget of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation and the local budget of the preparation and conduct of elections of the President of the Russian Federation.

It is proposed to set a maximum cost for producing propaganda materials of 2% of Russia's subsistence level per capita per capita per production unit. At the same time, this limit is 100 rubles in the current version.

Only media representatives working in editorial offices based on an employment contract can be accredited to attend meetings of election commissions (when establishing results, determining results, and counting votes).

The bill also clarifies the powers of candidates’ proxies and establishes the rule that these powers terminate upon expiration of the campaign period.

“The bill synchronizes changes in electoral legislation in terms of a unified approach to elections at all levels of government. This is a targeted adjustment of the relevant legislation,” said Pavel Krasheninnikov.

Earlier, Bashinform News Agency reported how Vladimir Putin answered a question about the Russian presidential elections.

Author: Alexey Fatykhov