Central Election Commission of Russia

Central Election Commission of Russia
w:Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation Кирилл Кобелев · Public domain · source
Agency name	Central Election Commission of Russia
Formed	September 1993
Jurisdiction	Russia
Headquarters	Moscow

Central Election Commission of Russia is a permanent Federal State Authority responsible for organizing and conducting federal elections and regional elections in Russia, as well as overseeing the implementation of election laws and regulations. The commission is composed of experienced professionals, including Ella Pamfilova, who has served as the chairperson since 2016, and has worked closely with other organizations, such as the European Commission for Democracy through Law and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The commission's work is also influenced by the decisions of the Constitutional Court of Russia and the Supreme Court of Russia.

● History

The Central Election Commission of Russia was established in September 1993, following the adoption of the Constitution of Russia and the Federal Law on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum. Since its inception, the commission has played a crucial role in organizing and conducting numerous elections, including the 1993 Russian constitutional referendum, the 1996 Russian presidential election, and the 2018 Russian presidential election. The commission has also worked closely with international organizations, such as the International Foundation for Electoral Systems and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, to promote electoral reform and democratization in Russia. The commission's history is also closely tied to the development of Russian electoral law, which has been influenced by the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe.

● Structure and Composition

The Central Election Commission of Russia is composed of 15 members, who are appointed by the State Duma and the Federation Council for a term of five years. The commission is headed by a chairperson, who is responsible for overseeing the commission's activities and ensuring the implementation of Russian election law. The commission also includes several deputy chairpersons and members, who are responsible for specific areas of work, such as electoral law, voter registration, and election observation. The commission works closely with other organizations, such as the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Russia), to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. The commission's structure and composition are also influenced by the principles of democratic governance and the recommendations of the Venice Commission.

● Responsibilities and Powers

The Central Election Commission of Russia is responsible for a wide range of activities, including the organization and conduct of federal elections and regional elections, the registration of political parties and candidates, and the oversight of electoral campaigns. The commission also has the power to impose penalties on individuals and organizations that violate Russian election law, and to cancel the results of elections if they are found to be invalid. The commission works closely with other organizations, such as the Prosecutor General of Russia and the Investigative Committee of Russia, to ensure the enforcement of electoral laws and regulations. The commission's responsibilities and powers are also influenced by the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe.

● Criticisms and Controversies

The Central Election Commission of Russia has faced numerous criticisms and controversies over the years, including allegations of electoral fraud and vote rigging. The commission has been accused of being biased in favor of the ruling United Russia party, and of failing to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. The commission has also faced criticism from international organizations, such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the European Union, which have expressed concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of Russian elections. The commission's response to these criticisms has been influenced by the decisions of the Constitutional Court of Russia and the Supreme Court of Russia.

● International Relations and Observations

The Central Election Commission of Russia has established relationships with numerous international organizations, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the European Commission for Democracy through Law, and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems. The commission has also invited international observers to monitor Russian elections, including the 2018 Russian presidential election and the 2020 Russian constitutional referendum. The commission's international relations and observations are also influenced by the principles of democratic governance and the recommendations of the Venice Commission. The commission has worked closely with other organizations, such as the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and the International Republican Institute, to promote electoral reform and democratization in Russia.

● Electoral Process and Procedures

The Central Election Commission of Russia is responsible for overseeing the electoral process and procedures in Russia, including the registration of voters, the nomination of candidates, and the conduct of elections. The commission has established a range of procedures and guidelines to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, including the use of electronic voting systems and the deployment of election observers. The commission's electoral process and procedures are also influenced by the decisions of the Constitutional Court of Russia and the Supreme Court of Russia, as well as the recommendations of international organizations, such as the European Commission for Democracy through Law and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The commission works closely with other organizations, such as the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Russia), to ensure the security and integrity of the electoral process.