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Unified Election Day to take place in new Russian regions in 2023 — upper house speaker

Valentina Matviyenko pointed out that the new territories are Russia’s full-fledged constituent entities

MOSCOW, February 1. /TASS/. Russia’s new regions will hold elections on Unified Election Day in 2023, Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said on Wednesday.

"Unified Election Day will certainly take place where it is expected to take place this year. It will definitely be held in the new territories. They are Russia’s full-fledged constituent entities where full Russian citizens live and we cannot deprive them of the right to vote and be elected," Matviyenko said in response to a TASS question.

"Elections will definitely take place, there is no question about it," she added.

"Elections will have to be properly organized so that there are no risks to people’s lives and health. Serious efforts will be made to work it all out," the upper house speaker emphasized.

Matviyenko also pointed out that new methods had been tested at the previous elections on various levels, "which in no way reduce the legitimacy of elections but, on the contrary, provide more opportunities to voters." "Serious work is being done to prepare for the elections and they will undoubtedly be held," she concluded.

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