On September 18, 2016, Russia will hold a parliamentary election—its seventh since the breakup of the Soviet Union. After March 2000, not a single nationwide vote in Russia was assessed by international observers as “free and fair.” The last Duma elections in 2011 were marred by allegations of widespread fraud and prompted the largest street protests under Vladimir Putin’s rule.

As the vote nears, the authorities are imposing new restrictions on observers and journalists, while the state-run media engages in a smear campaign against Kremlin critics. Russia’s pro-democracy opposition, meanwhile, has decided against a boycott and is preparing to nominate its candidates for the State Duma and regional legislatures. The panel will discuss the prospects for Russia’s 2016 parliamentary vote, the opposition’s plans, and the international community’s role in holding the Russian government to its Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe commitments on free and fair elections.

We hope you can join us for this important and timely discussion.

 

On Twitter? Follow @ACEurasia and use #ACRussia.

Atlantic Council
1030 15th Street NW, 12th Floor (West Tower Elevator) 
Washington, DC

This event is open to press and on the record. 

VISITING THE COUNCIL: Metro and parking info