Speaking to the press at the CEC headquarters, Pamfilova noted that 84% of voters are prepared to cast their ballots at polling stations. “Based on data recorded up to September 8, the vast majority of voters—and this is not a turnout forecast, but rather what people have said—approximately 84% of those we spoke with plan to vote at polling stations,” Pamfilova emphasized.

According to her, these figures show the current feeling of citizens and their preferences regarding how to express their will. The CEC Chairwoman highlighted the importance of the electoral system being prepared to accommodate a significant number of people at the polls.

Early voting began in late August in remote and hard-to-reach settlements across 12 Russian regions.

Pamfilova also reported on the adoption of necessary measures to ensure the safe conduct of election campaigns.

Elections for deputies to the State Duma (the lower house of the Russian parliament) will take place on September 20, although voting will be possible in some districts on September 18, 19, and 20.

jdt/arm/mem/gfa