The Supreme Court of Russia banned “foreign agents” from observing the elections

Persons declared to be foreign agents in Russia cannot be observers at Russian elections and referenda. This was clarified by the Supreme Court of Russia, which clarified the clause of the law “On control over the activities of persons under foreign influence”.

According to the court document, “foreign agents” are not authorized to carry out activities that contribute to or hinder the nomination of candidates or their election, the holding of a referendum, the achievement of results in elections and referendums. “According to this, a person with the status of a foreign agent cannot be an observer at elections, referendums,” the document says.

In addition, according to the court document, “foreign agents” will not be able to be proxies of candidates and election associations.

The “Voice” movement for the protection of voters’ rights believes that “in practice, this means little.” The law prohibits only natural persons declared by foreign agents to be observers. Associations of citizens, regardless of their status, could not send observers to elections before. Such a right is reserved only for parties, candidates and public chambers. Nevertheless, “this did not prevent the organization of independent monitoring during the elections,” notes “Holos”.

• The Russian authorities can declare anyone who is under “foreign influence” a foreign agent, the definition of which is very vague in the law. Now there are about 400 “foreign agents” in the register: individuals, mass media, NGOs and companies.
• From the end of 2022, “foreign agents” are prohibited from teaching in state institutions, organizing public events, serving in the army under contract, and being members of election commissions.