Russia's Duma Elections Begin Amid Observer Abductions, Coercion and Internet Blackouts

Three-day elections to Russia's State Duma and regional parliaments opened on September 18, running through September 21. From the first day, independent Russian media documented systematic obstruction: abductions of observers, mass coercion of public sector employees to vote, and mobile internet blackouts.

Communication Blackouts

Central Election Commission chief Ella Pamfilova warned that mobile communications and data transmission may be disrupted. "There may be unintentional interruptions in mobile communications. That is not a reason for us to cancel the voting," she stated.

Abductions and Falsifications

Independent outlets Vazhnyye Istorii, ASTRA, and regional Telegram channels documented observer abductions across several regions, as well as widespread pressure on state employees to vote for specific candidates and deliver predetermined results.