EU and NATO condemn Russian election as neither free nor fair

BRUSSELS – The European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) jointly criticized Russia’s upcoming presidential election, scheduled to see Vladimir Putin re-elected, asserting that the vote will not be free or fair due to the Kremlin’s suppression of opposition voices.

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Alexei Navalny, a prominent Kremlin critic who died in prison, has urged Western nations not to recognize the results of the election set to begin on Friday.

EU spokesman Peter Stano expressed skepticism about the fairness of the election, stating, “It’s very difficult to foresee that this would be a free, fair and democratic election where the Russian people would really have a choice.”

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the election “in Russia will not be free and fair.”

Stoltenberg highlighted the lack of political freedom in Moscow, citing the imprisonment, exile, and even killings of opposition politicians.

He also noted the absence of a free and independent press in the country.

**FILE PHOTO:** NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. **[Picture: Reuters]**

The three-day election, expected to solidify Putin‘s grip on power for another six years, comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West, particularly due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Both the EU and NATO denounced Moscow’s decision to hold the vote in areas of Ukraine occupied by Russian soldiers, calling it a violation of international law.

Stoltenberg labeled Russia’s attempts to organize the election in these occupied regions as “completely illegal,” while EU spokesman Stano stated that the EU would not recognize the ballot conducted in these territories.

The presidential contest, scheduled from March 15 to 17, lacks genuine opposition candidates, with Putin facing only Kremlin-approved contenders from parties loyal to his administration.

Putin’s anticipated victory would extend his rule until at least 2030, making him the longest-serving Russian leader since Catherine the Great in the 18th century.