EU Condemns Russian Elections in Occupied Crimea and Highlights Human Rights Concerns

EU Condemns Russian Elections in Occupied Crimea

The European Union’s diplomatic agency has issued a strong condemnation of the recent regional elections conducted in the occupied territories of Crimea, asserting that these elections are a violation of international law, the UN Charter, and Ukraine’s sovereignty. In a statement released on Monday, the European Union External Action Service (EEAS) emphasized, “The EU does not recognise these so-called ‘elections’ or their results in Crimea.” The agency declared that these elections are “null and void” and hold no legal significance whatsoever.

More than ten years after Russia’s invasion and its attempted illegal annexation of Crimea, the EU reiterated its firm stance: “Crimea is Ukraine.” The electoral process encompassed approximately 83 regional and municipal elections across Russia, which took place from September 6 to 8. This included elections in Moscow and the Ukrainian-controlled Kursk territory, where Ukrainian armed forces have recently regained control over 1,300 square kilometers of land along the Russia-Ukraine border.

• Three by-elections for the central Moscow State Duma
• Nineteen gubernatorial elections (16 direct and three indirect)
• Thirteen regional parliamentary elections
• A multitude of municipal elections

The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) reported that it thwarted “thousands” of cyberattacks on voting resources during this period. They indicated that the highest voter turnout was recorded in the Republic of Bashkortostan at 55%, followed closely by Kemerovo at 60% and Kursk at 50%. Despite earlier media speculation about potential postponements in Kursk voting, citizens participated in the elections as scheduled. Ella Pamfilova, the chief of the Central Election Commission, noted that residents expressed a desire to maintain the original voting timeline. Pamfilova, appointed in 2016 to enhance the integrity of Russian elections, attributed the high voter turnout in the region to what she described as an “adequate response” to the “bandits and rabble” currently threatening Kursk.

Russian media reports suggest that Kremlin-backed candidates are poised to secure numerous legislative assembly positions and local government roles. International news sources have indicated that many opposition candidates faced obstacles in completing their candidacy applications. The official results of the elections are anticipated to be announced by the end of September.

‘Strongman’ Politicians on the Rise, UN Warns

In a separate yet equally significant discourse, UN Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk addressed the 57th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, cautioning that “strongman” politicians and personalities are increasingly gaining prominence on the global stage. While Türk refrained from naming specific countries, he hinted at upcoming election cycles in nations such as Georgia, Tunisia, and the United States.

“I urge voters to ask themselves which political platforms or candidates will genuinely advocate for the human rights of all individuals,” Türk advised. “And I encourage all voters to remain vigilant. Be cautious of the loud voices, the ‘strongman’ figures who may dazzle us with superficial solutions that obscure the truth,” he added.

During his address, the human rights chief referenced the ongoing situation in Ukraine and Russia, expressing disappointment that his office has been denied access by Moscow to monitor the region. “We are troubled by the consequences of recent escalations on civilians, particularly in Kursk. My office has sought access to all affected areas to oversee the human rights situation,” he stated. “I regret that the Russian Federation has thus far declined to grant access to these crucial regions,” he concluded.