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LDPR for letting observers use photo, video cameras at polling stations

As follows from the explanatory note, the Central Election Commission granted this right to election monitors back last year, but the local election commissions tend to ignore it

MOSCOW, July 14 (Itar-Tass) —— A group of the Liberal Democrat faction members in the State Duma has proposed amendments empowering observers to use photo and video cameras at polling stations.

As follows from the explanatory note, the Central Election Commission granted this right to election monitors back last year, but the local election commissions tend to ignore it.

“Under a resolution by the Central Election Commission an observer has the right to photograph or video the process of voting and vote counting provided this does not hinder the work of the election commission or violates ballot secrecy. In the meantime, as experience indicates, lower level election commission members ignore this document. They prefer to point to federal laws, which contain no mention of this provision,” the bill’s authors said. The very instance of turning on a photo or video camera is still interpreted as a violation and a reason for removing the observer from the polling station.

The LDPR suggests amendments to the law on the main guarantees of election rights of citizens and official guarantees of the right to use photo and video cameras.

“The introduction of this norm will eliminate legal uncertainty and also contribute to the openness of election procedures,” the authors said.