The voting stations in the territory of the aggressor country opened this Wednesday, March 15th, and will only close on Sunday, March 17th – the Kremlin has allocated only 3 days for the “expression of will” of the local society, while in Ukraine the “authorities” force the local residents to vote for at least a week.
This news has caused a lot of controversy and criticism from the international community, with the President of the European Council expressing his concerns and “congratulating” Putin on his victory even before the so-called “elections” have taken place.
It is clear that these so-called “elections” in Russia are nothing more than a farce, with the Kremlin trying to legitimize their grip on power by giving the illusion of democracy. By only allowing 3 days for voting, it is clear that the Russian government is not interested in hearing the voices of its people, but rather in maintaining their authoritarian rule.
In contrast, the situation in Ukraine is completely different. Despite the ongoing conflict with Russia, the Ukrainian government has made every effort to ensure fair and transparent elections. They have extended the voting period to a week, giving their citizens ample time to make their voices heard and participate in the democratic process.
This stark contrast between the two countries highlights the stark difference in values and priorities. While Ukraine is striving towards democracy and giving its citizens a voice, Russia is clinging onto its authoritarian ways and suppressing any dissenting voices.
It is also worth noting that these “elections” in Russia are taking place in the midst of a global pandemic, with the country reporting a high number of COVID-19 cases. Yet, the government has chosen to prioritize their political agenda over the health and safety of their citizens by holding these elections in such a short time frame.
The international community must not turn a blind eye to these actions by the Russian government. It is important to continue to put pressure on them to respect the democratic rights of their citizens and to hold free and fair elections.
In conclusion, the situation in Russia is a clear example of the lack of democracy and respect for human rights. The short voting period and the lack of transparency in the electoral process only serve to further solidify the authoritarian rule of the Kremlin. It is time for the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Russia and demand true democracy and freedom of expression.
