MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. The Russian Defense Ministry, the Russian Federal Security Service and the heads of the country’s four new regions believe it is possible to hold presidential elections in the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, and the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, the Russian Central Elections Commission said.
The statement follows consultations held by CEC Deputy Chairman Nikolay Bulayev, Secretary Natalia Budarina, representatives of the Russian Defense Ministry and the Russian Federal Security Service, as well as the leadership of the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.
"Today, December 11, 2023, the CEC of Russia held consultations on the possibility of holding presidential elections on the territory of the four regions where martial law has been imposed. All parties to the consultations believe it is possible to hold elections of the head of state on the territory of these constituents of the Russian Federation" the commission said in a statement.
According to law, the CEC must make a decision whether to hold elections in the region where martial law is imposed after consultations with the Defense Ministry, the security service and the highest official of the region within 5 days from the date when the Federation Council decides to hold national elections.
Russia will hold a presidential election from March 15 to 17, 2024.