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Russia Moves to Ban OSCE Election Observers Ahead of Upcoming Vote
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Russian authorities are considering barring the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) from monitoring elections in the country. The proposal came from Ella Pamfilova, head of the Central Election Commission (CEC), during a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on September 26, according to The Moscow Times.
Pamfilova used the occasion to criticize the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), which is tasked with overseeing elections.
“Why do we need them? Why are we even paying contributions? They don’t protect our rights at all. They don’t protect the rights of journalists, they don’t protect rights in any area, including electoral rights,” she said.
Calling the ODIHR a “completely closed” and “undemocratic” organization, Pamfilova argued that Russia legitimizes its reports simply by taking part in the process.
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“Their conclusions, dictated by their, excuse me, masters—depending on whether a country is obedient or not—completely contradict the assessments of observers, including ours. […] I believe this organization has fully discredited itself,” she noted.
Pamfilova also pointed to Moldova’s recent parliamentary elections, where Russian observers were denied accreditation. Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service reported on September 25 that dozens of individuals with questionable reputations are seeking accreditation as international observers for Moldova’s upcoming election.
According to the agency, many of these applicants had previously taken part in so-called referendums in Crimea, the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas, and in Abkhazia—processes orchestrated to create a false appearance of legitimacy.
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At the same time, Russia is stepping up its disinformation campaigns, targeting Moldovan communities across Europe in the run-up to the country’s pivotal elections.
Putin agreed the matter required attention, promising to consult with the Foreign Ministry and lawmakers.
“You are right, the situation looks absurd when we provide every opportunity, yet get nothing in return. Well, so be it. We will think separately about what to do with this,” the Russian leader said.
Earlier, Russian leader Vladimir Putin visited the Kuznetsov engine design bureau in Samara, urging faster progress in the development of rocket and aircraft engines.
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