“Besides these invitations to the aforementioned 103 countries, we have sent 12 international organizations for our colleagues to participate in international observation,” said Pamfilova during a CEC meeting.

The commission, he continued, has already received affirmative responses from 43 states. Thus, Pamfilova highlighted “a great interest” of international observers.

At the same time, he denounced that Russia’s enemies will seek to carry out provocations and sabotage during the election, including through discrediting of the electoral process.

He added that the Russian electoral system, in turn, is preparing to deal with attempts to undermine elections.

In particular, in organizing elections abroad, Moscow will focus on ensuring security, especially in countries that Moscow considers “hostile,” the head of CEC summarized. On June 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin called elections for the ninth-term State Duma to be held on September 20.

On the same date, governors will be elected in at least eight regions. In total, more than 2,200 electoral campaigns of various levels will be held to fill about 20,700 seats for deputies and other elected offices.

mem/gfa