continue, russian presidential election, PACE Chairman Theodoros Roussopoulos Today I made the following statement:
“A few minutes ago, the polling stations of the so-called “elections” in the Russian Federation were closed, and the exit polls announced their predictions. And there was little surprise in the outcome of this exercise. In fact, we all knew that this outcome President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his intention to serve another term.
These elections have no legitimacy. There were no real alternative candidates, no free media, and no reliable observers. Civil society was silent. Most importantly, this election was held on illegally occupied and annexed Ukrainian territory. All political opposition is brutally suppressed, and those who criticize the regime are imprisoned or exiled. And tragically, the most vocal and popular opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, was murdered in prison a month ago after months of torture and inhumane treatment.
Under such circumstances, there can be no free and fair elections. Putin clearly lacks any vestiges of democratic legitimacy.
This has been confirmed by the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, which found that the procedure to grant President Putin a further term of office violates the Russian Constitution and violates long-established principles of international law.
The Parliament of the Council of Europe unanimously called on the international community to no longer recognize Putin's legitimacy as president. We call on them to cease all contact with President Putin, except in the pursuit of peace and for humanitarian purposes, such as organizing prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of missing children in Ukraine.
Putin's overwhelming power, combined with the lack of checks and balances such as a strong parliament, an independent judiciary, a free media, and a vibrant civil society, is compounded today by his extremely long tenure in office. and, sadly, turned the Russian Federation into a diabolical state. de facto dictatorship.
This is not what the Russian people deserve. They do not deserve to be ridiculed in the elections we witnessed today.
Congress will continue to support the development of an alternative vision for Russia as a peaceful, free, democratic, and responsible country that does not pose a threat to its neighbors or its own people. We will strengthen our support for Russia's democratic opposition, human rights defenders, independent journalists and free civil society, who share the principles and values of the Council of Europe. We condemn the war of aggression against Ukraine, fully recognize its territorial integrity and support all those who bravely fight for Russia's freedom.
Freedom and democracy will spread to Russia! ”
