Russia, Parliamentary Elections, 4 December 2011: Pre-Election Assessment Report

In anticipation of an invitation from the Russian authorities to observe the State Duma elections, scheduled to take place on 4 December 2011, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) undertook an election expert visit to Moscow from 17 to 22 August. The election expert team included Dr. Beata Martin-Rozumiłowicz, Head of OSCE/ODIHR Election Department, Dr. Armin Rabitsch, Senior Election Adviser, and Ms. Tatyana Bogussevich, Election Adviser.

The purpose of the visit was to attend the training of election commissions organized by the Central Election Commission (CEC), as well as to assess the pre-election environment and the preparations for the elections. Meetings were held with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of the Ombudsperson, CEC, State Duma Committee on Constitutional Legislation and International Co-operation, All-Russian State Television and Radio Company, as well as with political parties, media, civil society and diplomatic representations.