Reactions abroad to Russia’s presidential election
Ella Pamfilova, Chairwoman of Russia’s Central Election Commission, announces preliminary results of the presidential election in Moscow, Russia, on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Early results showed that President Vladimir Putin is headed for a landslide win in Russia’s election Sunday. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov
Early results showed that President Vladimir Putin is headed for a landslide win in Russia’s election on Sunday, March 17.
This means that Putin, 71, will easily secure a new six-year term that would enable him to become Russia’s longest-serving leader.
READ: Putin wins Russia poll in a landslide, early results show
Following are reactions from foreign governments and officials to Russia’s presidential election:
White House National Security Council spokesperson
“The elections are obviously not free nor fair given how Mr. Putin has imprisoned political opponents and prevented others from running against him.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyy Zelensky
“These days, the Russian dictator is simulating another election. It is clear to everyone in the world that this figure, as it has already often happened in the course of history, is simply sick for power and is doing everything to rule forever.”
“There is no legitimacy in this imitation of elections and there cannot be. This person should be on trial in The Hague. That’s what we have to ensure.”
READ: Putin: The autocrat eyeing a new world order
Germany’s Foreign Ministry on social media platform X (formerly Twitter)
“The pseudo-election in Russia is neither free nor fair, the result will surprise nobody. Putin’s rule is authoritarian, he relies on censorship, repression & violence. The “election” in the occupied territories of Ukraine are null and void & another breach of international law.”
UK Foreign Minister David Cameron on X
“The polls have closed in Russia, following the illegal holding of elections on Ukrainian territory, a lack of choice for voters and no independent OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) monitoring. This is not what free and fair elections look like.”
Polish Foreign Ministry statement
“From March 15-17, 2024, so-called presidential elections took place in Russia. The voting took place in conditions of extreme repression against society, making it impossible to make a free, democratic choice.”
