Electoral fraud in Russia under scrutiny after revealing video
An investigation has been initiated in response to a video published by the "Saint Petersburg Observers" channel, which depicted instances of electoral fraud during the presidential elections in Russia. The video sparked considerable controversy after showing committee members adding hundreds of votes to a ballot box.
4:11 PM EDT, March 21, 2024
The Saint Petersburg Electoral Commission is set to probe videos capturing two individuals, apparently committee members, kneeling and stuffing hundreds of votes into a ballot box before tipping it to conceal the deceit.
The peculiar election of Putin: Odd footage from Saint Petersburg
In line with federal law no. 67-FZ, the Saint Petersburg Electoral Commission has commenced oversight actions to scrutinize the allegations made by media outlets concerning electoral committee operations," stated the Saint Petersburg Electoral Commission.
"Leaders of city and regional commissions have been directed to furnish detailed reports on voting procedures and the subsequent determination of outcomes," the announcement further clarified.
An unusual scenario unfolded at Saint Petersburg's polling station no. 5. According to the independent Russian platform Agenstwo.Novosti, individuals had to approach the ballot box on their knees at this location, where Putin received 81.28% of the vote.
Quirky Russian video goes viral
On Wednesday, the "Saint Petersburg Observers" channel released a 24-minute clip showcasing electoral manipulation during Russia's "presidential elections". The fact that the footage originates from a genuine election committee is corroborated by the visible committee identification number, 12903, on both glass and plaque.
A woman, identified as the committee's chair, is seen kneeling at the committee's entrance with a considerable stack of papers. She proceeds to crawl towards the ballot box, dropping the papers inside. Shortly after, another individual assists her.
To ensure the inserted papers appeared authentic within the box and to prevent the detection of fraud, one of the women laid on the floor, tilting the ballot box towards herself, while her accomplice lifted it to "mix" the papers.
