Moscow-Sana
Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the need for the elections to the Russian State Duma to be fair and transparent, and that intense competition during the electoral period should remain within a civilized debate.
"The common goal of all of us, including the parliamentary factions, is to conduct the elections in a clean, fair, transparent and open manner, in strict adherence to the law," Putin was quoted by the TASS news agency as telling lawmakers.
"It is necessary that intense natural competition take the form of a substantive civilized discussion without mutual accusations, insults and empty promises that are impossible to fulfill," the Russian president stressed.
“This type of purposeful electoral competition, respect for opponents and, most importantly, citizens will facilitate a qualitative and progressive development of the parliament and the multi-party system in Russia,” Putin said. “.
The deputy head of the Russian Central Elections Committee, Nikolai Polayev, announced on June 18 that 32 political parties have the right to participate in the State Duma elections scheduled for September 19.
On June 17, Putin issued a decree setting the date for elections to the State Duma for the eighth session on September 19.