IPA CIS Observers Monitored Voting in Leningrad Region Polling Stations

The IPA CIS International Observers Group, as part of monitoring of the Presidential elections in Russia, visited a number of polling stations in the Leningrad region. The monitoring group included representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, China and Syria.

Observers noted that all polling stations were equipped in accordance with the requirements of national legislation. For citizens with disabilities, wheelchair ramps were provided and volunteer assistance was offered. A voice recorder was installed at polling station № 380 - a special device for blind and visually impaired voters. A young voter kit and memorable gifts had been prepared for citizens voting for the first time.

IPA CIS Observer Stanislav Epifantsev noted that the Observers Group highly values the organization quality and pays attention to safety and technical equipment of polling stations.

Observers also noted the high turnout and friendly atmosphere at the polling stations. IPA CIS Observer Ziad Shahoud told reporters that even at small polling stations there were queues.

A meeting about Presidential Elections in Russia was held at the Public Observation Center of the Leningrad Region in Gatchina. Head of the Center, member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, Deputy Chair of the Public Chamber of the Leningrad Region Vladimir Zhuravlev has told observers that monitors broadcast recordings from polling stations in the region around the clock and any broadcast has a rewind function, the recordings themselves will be stored for 6 months.