ECP chief leaves for Russia as foreign observer for presidential elections

Sikandar Sultan Raja, the Chief Election Commissioner of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), is embarking on an official visit to Russia. He has been invited by the Moscow government to observe the Russian presidential elections set to take place from March 15 to 17.

Raja, along with other observers, will monitor the elections, which are widely expected to secure another term for current President Vladimir Putin despite ongoing domestic upheaval caused by Russia’s involvement in Ukraine.

The presidential race has been marked by the rejection of candidates critical of Russia’s campaign in Ukraine, leaving Putin and three other registered candidates in the running. These candidates, including nationalist conservative Leonid Slutsky and Communist Party candidate Nikolai Kharitonov, have voiced support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Critics of the Kremlin argue that these candidates serve to maintain a semblance of pluralism in the election amidst widespread repression of opposition voices. Independent observers have also raised concerns about potential vote manipulation tactics employed by the authorities.

Putin’s campaign efforts have intensified in recent weeks, with promises of economic and social reforms outlined in his State of the Nation address. The speech laid out a vision for government priorities until at least 2030.