Changes to law on local referendums came into force in Bashkiria

Changes to the law “On local referendum in the Republic of Bashkortostan” came into force in the republic, which was caused by the need to bring it into compliance with federal legislation.

In particular, the concept and status of foreign agents who do not have the right to carry out activities promoting the initiative to hold a referendum, achieve a specific result, or participate in other forms of election and referendum campaigns have been changed.

A ban has been established on the referendum initiative group and other groups of referendum participants campaigning using information resources, including Internet sites, access to which Roskomnadzor limits. The procedure for sending observers and their number at each referendum precinct has been determined (no more than three for each voting day). The new law also specifies photo and video filming conditions at referendum sites. The innovations establish the mechanism and procedure for using remote electronic voting. It is necessary to undergo mandatory procedures for identification, authentication, and confirmation of identity, as well as anonymization of the results of the expression of will, their encryption during voting, and decryption after its completion.

Author: Azat Gizzatullin