The spokesman for the European External Action Service, Peter Stano, called on the Russian authorities on Thursday 2 July to investigate allegations of irregularities during the constitutional referendum held from 25 June to 1 July.
The Russians voted by almost 78% to give Russian President Vladimir Putin the opportunity to serve two more terms after 2024, i.e. until 2036.
“We are aware of reports and allegations of irregularities during the vote - double voting, violation of the secrecy of the ballot, violence against journalists observing the vote. We therefore expect these reports to be properly investigated as they are serious allegations”, he highlighted. Mr Stano added that the EU regretted that both the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ campaigns were not allowed, which prevented voters from having access to balanced information.
The spokesman, while specifying that it is up to each country to decide on the modalities for leaders to take office, noted that there must be a system of check and balances. He added that the elections must be free, balanced and democratic.
Mr Stano also recalled that the EU did not recognise the vote on the Russian constitution held in Crimea and in areas not controlled by the Ukrainian government in eastern Ukraine. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)