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Russia's presidential election will kick off Sunday, with current Prime Minister Vladimir Putin voicing confidence that he will win.
However, since Last year's State Duma election, the Russian Central Election Commission has been overshadowed by accusations of fraud and manipulation. To ensure this election is more transparent, a series of actions are being taken.
Its not a questionary for historians, but a list for presidential election rehearsal held in Moscow.
One week before the election, 12 polling stations around Moscow opened to public for dressed rehearsals. This kind of "Doors Open Day" is held for the first time.
The rehearsal could prove that the election will be more public and transparent. And it could help reduce the remarks of vote rig. Because some of the so-called frauds may be caused by the carelessness of staffs.
The procedure is exactly the same as the real election: examination of voting system, registration with the passport, secret ballot, and vote to a transparent ballot box. All these are under monitoring of two webcams, which streams the footage over the internet in real time.
Leonid Ivlev, Deputy Chairman, Central Election Commission, said, "In case of any complaints or court disputes, all this footage, recorded with sound, can be used as evidence. So, this is additional proof, with help of technical gear, that the elections are transparent and fair."
According to Prime Minister and Presidential candidate, Vladimir Putins proposal, around 200,000 web cameras will be installed in 60 percent of polling stations across Russia ahead of the elections.
Elena Dubrovina, Member of Russia Central Election Commission, said, "I hope all the things we, the Central Election Commission, have done will be paid off."
The Russian Central Election Commission is under pressure, as mass protests swept across Russia over alleged violations in favor of the ruling. Five days before the election, Russian Central Election Commission called on a meeting.
Vladimir Churov, Chief Russia's Central Election Commission, said, "You should keep in mind, colleagues, chairpersons of electoral commissions of all levels, that you are accountable for the election being calm and properly organized."
Finally, who did win the test run? Peter the Great, of course. Does this result imply that Putin who sets Peter the Great as an example and vows to take Russia on the road of prosperity will be reelected with no allegations of vote rigging? Answer will not be revealed until March the 4th. |
