In the occupied territories of Ukraine, Ukrainians are being coerced to participate in the Russian presidential election by heavily armed, masked soldiers accompanying election officials. This violates international law, and Ukraine, along with 55 other nations, condemned Russia's actions at the United Nations.
Yevheniia Hliebova, who left the occupied territory, described the situation as an "election at gunpoint," with officials going door to door accompanied by armed soldiers, intimidating residents into voting. This intimidation mirrors the process in 2022 when residents were forced to vote in illegal referendums on Russian annexation.
Vladimir Putin, in power since 1999, is guaranteed to win another term in the election, which offers no genuine democratic choice due to the Kremlin's control over candidates and media. Constitutional changes allow Putin to potentially rule until 2036.
The forced vote is part of a broader Russification process in occupied regions, including changes to school curriculums, imprisonment of pro-Kyiv figures, and requiring Ukrainians to get Russian passports. In Mariupol, where a bombing killed hundreds in 2022, voting took place amidst signs of civilians inside.
Russian state media portrayed the voting in Mariupol positively, showing residents at polling stations. However, one resident said, "People couldn’t care less about the elections because everyone understands perfectly well that it’s elections without choice."
In Energodar, residents were pressured to vote, with some being told they could vote multiple times. In Shulhyne, elderly pensioners were targeted for forced participation. Ukraine's military intelligence accused Russian forces of using intimidation, bribery, and pressure to force Ukrainians to vote.
The situation highlights the lack of rule of law and the disregard for democracy in the occupied territories. Residents face eviction if they do not obtain Russian identity documents. Despite these challenges, many Ukrainians continue to resist and refuse to participate in what they see as a sham election.
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