Thiruvananthapuram: In a unique display of democratic participation, Russian citizens residing in Kerala exercised their voting rights for the Russian presidential elections at a specially designated booth within the Honorary Consulate of the Russian Federation, known as the Russian House, in Thiruvananthapuram.
Ratheesh Nair, the Honorary Consul of Russia and Director of the Russian House in Thiruvananthapuram, expressed gratitude for the cooperation of Russian citizens in Kerala, highlighting that this marked the third occasion of facilitating polling for the Russian presidential elections.
Nair stated, “This is the third time the Consulate of the Russian Federation is hosting polling for the Russian presidential elections. This is actually for Russian nationalists staying here and also for the tourists. We are happy to associate with the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation. I am very grateful to the Russian citizens in Kerala for their cooperation and enthusiasm to cast votes in the process of electing their new president.”
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Sergey Azurov, Senior Consul General in Chennai, emphasized the importance of organizing preliminary voting to provide Russian citizens residing in India with the opportunity to participate in the presidential elections.
“We are organizing preliminary voting in the framework of presidential elections. We are here to provide an opportunity for the citizens of Russian federations living in India,” Azurov stated.
Echoing the sentiments of appreciation, Ulia, a Russian citizen, conveyed thanks to the Russian house and consulate general in India for enabling them to participate in the presidential polls, underscoring the significance of the electoral process for every citizen.
Ulia remarked, “Everyone who came today is Russian citizens either residing permanently in India or are visiting tourists. Everybody is thankful and happy to come here and participate in the election, which is very important for every citizen. This is our responsibility. So, we are thankful to the Russian house and the consulate general in India from Chennai for providing this chance.”
The presidential elections in Russia, scheduled from March 15-17, witness citizens voting across the country’s 11 time zones. The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Russia approved three candidates to oppose President Vladimir Putin, with all candidates believed to have pro-Kremlin leanings.
As Putin’s reelection appears imminent, extending his rule potentially until 2036, the elections signify a pivotal moment in Russia’s political landscape.
