Western Nations and the US Question Credibility of Russian Polls as Putin Seeks Another Term

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) Several Western countries including the US have raised concerns over the credibility of the Russian presidential election, which is expected to result in another term for Vladimir Putin. The White House and other nations have called the election process “not free nor fair”, citing Putin’s tactics to silence opposition and prevent rivals from running against him.

The White House’s National Security Council spokesperson stated that the elections are “obviously not free nor fair given how Putin has imprisoned political opponents and prevented others from running against him.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Putin, accusing him of seeking to cling to power at all costs.

The UK’s foreign office criticized Russia for “illegally holding elections on Ukrainian territory”, claiming it is a sign that Russia is not committed to finding peace. Germany’s Foreign Ministry and Poland’s Foreign Ministry also denounced the Russian election as “pseudo” and raising concerns about the lack of democracy and freedom in the process.

In response to the criticisms, the Polish Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the Kremlin’s decision to hold elections in occupied parts of Ukraine as a violation of international law. The ministry expressed concern that the election was conducted under conditions of repression, preventing a free and democratic choice for the people.

The US and Western countries are united in their skepticism towards the Russian presidential election, highlighting concerns about Putin’s authoritarian rule and tactics to suppress opposition. The international community continues to monitor the situation in Russia closely and stands firm in support of democracy and human rights.