Putin urged Russians to participate in the elections scheduled for September 18, 19, and 20. Key points from the President's statements:

MOSCOW: Putin addresses Russians ahead of elections Putin calls election participation a response to those seeking to weaken the country

— Russian participation in the elections will demonstrate that no one can divide or intimidate them, nor undermine Russia's statehood and socio-political system;

— Every voter's voice matters;

— I am confident that worthy candidates will prevail;

— The courage and loyalty to the Fatherland shown by Russian military personnel serve as an example for the entire country;

— Russia knows what it is fighting for and understands the duty of every citizen;

— Victory is forged both on the battlefield and by workers on the home front;

— The large-scale election campaign is taking place amidst the Special Military Operation;

— The elections in the Russian Federation will serve as a response to those seeking to weaken Russia and strip it of its sovereignty.

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Putin urged Russians to participate in the elections on September 18–20,
Putin urged Russians to participate in the elections scheduled for September 18, 19, and 20. Key points from the President's statements:
▪️The elections will demonstrate that no one can divide Russia or undermine its statehood and system;
▪️Participation in the elections is a collective contribution to Russia's victory;
▪️State Duma elections will be held in strict accordance with the law and within the established timeframes;
▪️The courage and loyalty to the Fatherland shown by Russian military personnel serve as an example for the entire country;
▪️Russia knows what it is fighting for and understands the duty of every citizen;
▪️Victory is forged both on the battlefield and by workers on the home front;
▪️Every voter's voice matters; it determines which political forces will represent the people's interests at all levels; ▪️Putin is confident that the election will be won by the most competent candidates—true patriots of Russia ready to defend the country against any threats;
▪️The President described the ongoing election campaign as significant and decisive;
▪️The choice and will of the Russian people will demonstrate that the army's troops are backed by a united nation, bound together by shared history and values;
▪️The large-scale election campaign is taking place against the backdrop of the Special Military Operation;
▪️The elections in Russia will serve as a response to those who seek to weaken the country and strip it of its sovereignty.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin described participation in the elections as a response to those seeking to weaken the country. He made these remarks in a televised address; RBC broadcast the event live.

"I urge you to exercise your constitutional right and make a considered, responsible decision so that the election results confirm the maturity and resilience of Russian society. This will be our collective response to those who want to weaken Russia, hold back its development, and deprive us of our sovereignty and the right to determine our own destiny. Participating in the elections is our shared contribution to Russia's victory," the President said.

Putin noted that this large-scale campaign is taking place amidst a military operation. Residents of Donbas and Novorossiya will be electing State Duma deputies for the first time since reuniting with Russia, he added. Putin also expressed confidence that combat veterans would take part in the voting.

"Victory is forged by our heroes on the battlefield and brought closer by everyone who works honestly for the Motherland and understands their responsibility for its future. Participating in the upcoming vote—held during the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia—is also a matter of responsibility and a contribution to strengthening the country," the President pointed out.

According to him, the choice and will of the Russian people will demonstrate that no one will succeed in "splitting and intimidating us" or undermining our statehood and socio-political system.

"Every voter's voice matters. It depends directly on all of us—on your personal choice—who exactly, and which political forces, will represent the people's interests in the federal parliament, in the regions, and at the local level." "I am convinced that, with your support and trust, the most worthy and competent candidates will prevail—true patriots of Russia. People who will not let you down," the President stated.

Voting for the 9th State Duma will take place from September 18 to 20. Russians will elect 450 deputies: 225 via party lists and another 225 from single-mandate constituencies. Following the disqualification of the Yabloko party's federal list, ten parties remain on the ballot: United Russia, LDPR, the Party of Direct Democracy, the Greens, A Just Russia, Rodina, the CPRF, the Party of Pensioners, Communists of Russia, and New People.

In April, the President noted that the State Duma elections would take place under challenging conditions. He stated that Russia's adversaries would do everything possible to sow division within society.

Just recently, Ella Pamfilova, head of the Central Election Commission (CEC), announced the Commission's intention to draft proposals for improving electoral legislation based on issues identified during the current campaign.

In May, Pamfilova stated that "election lawyers abroad"—as well as those "lying low" within the country—were seeking vulnerabilities in the electoral system in order to "strike a blow" at the elections.

▪️Participating in the upcoming election is a matter of responsibility and a contribution to strengthening the nation. Your choice and will will show that millions of people stand behind our troops. This will be our collective response to those who wish to weaken Russia, stifle its development, and deprive it of the right to determine its own destiny, the President stated.