Russia's undemocratic presidential elections and their illegitimate extension to the occupied territories
The European Parliament strongly condemns the recent presidential elections in Russia, deeming them illegitimate and undemocratic. The Parliament highlighted that the elections were held in a climate of fear and repression, without genuine competition, free media, or credible observers, and in the context of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. This resolution specifically addresses the Russian authorities and the outcome of the presidential election. It also condemns the illegal conduct of these elections in occupied Ukrainian territories, stating that the EU will not recognise their results. The Parliament also expresses solidarity with Russian dissidents and civil society. The Parliament calls on EU Member States and the international community not to recognise the legitimacy of the Russian presidential election's outcome. It urges limiting relations with President Putin to essential matters like regional peace, humanitarian issues, and prisoner exchanges. The resolution also calls for sanctions against those involved in organising the illegal polls. The resolution urges EU Member States to provide humanitarian visas and support to Russian dissidents at risk of persecution. It also calls for continued support for independent Russian civil society, media, and human rights defenders, and for increased international scrutiny of human rights abuses in Russia.
Analysis
The European Parliament states that the Russian presidential election of March 2024 was illegitimate and undemocratic, lacking genuine alternative candidates, free media, credible observers, and political freedoms.
What changes
- Urges EU Member States and the international community not to recognize the Russian presidential election outcome as legitimate due to its illegitimacy in occupied territories and lack of freeness or fairness within Russia.
- Calls for EU restrictive measures against those involved in the organization and execution of the illegal polls held in occupied Ukrainian territories.
- Urges Member States to provide humanitarian visas and other support to Russian dissidents at risk of political persecution, potentially extending EU-wide visa schemes.
Expected impact
- The EU may need to recognize de facto statelessness and issue travel documents for Russian dissidents if Russia ceases issuing passports in its consulates, as per the UN Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons.
- The resolution calls for EU institutions and Member States to simplify processes for Russian dissidents in the EU to register organizations, open bank accounts, and conduct administrative tasks.
- The EU may implement restrictive measures against individuals involved in organizing and executing illegal polls in occupied Ukrainian territories.
Limitations
- The document is a resolution from the European Parliament and does not contain specific legislative text that would allow for detailed analysis of direct legal changes to EU law.
- The document does not provide specific details on the nature or scope of potential EU restrictive measures beyond a general call for their application.
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