“The reports about the principles of free and fair elections being violated give me reason for concern.
I am under the impression that this campaign in which not all parties and forces of society can take part under equal conditions is not a fair one. I take very seriously the voices from Russia expressing their concern about the lack of freedom of choice.
By virtue of its own Constitution as well as through its membership of international organizations such as the OSCE or the Council of Europe, Russia has committed itself to holding free and fair elections.
The country must therefore make sure that people can cast their votes on election day without being intimidated or put under pressure. Both foreign and national observers need to be able to monitor the process unimpeded. Only thus can Russia dispel the doubts about the elections being free and fair.”