The Electoral Commission of Chechnya announced the recruitment of volunteers for the voting days.

The Electoral Commission of Chechnya announced a recruitment of volunteers to work at polling stations during the voting. Previously, residents of the republic repeatedly complained about the coercion of budget employees to participate in election-related events.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", voting in the elections for the head of Chechnya will take place from September 18 to 20. The head of the republic Ramzan Kadyrov has registered as a candidate for a new term, with his opponents being Khalid Nakayev and Ismail Denilkhanov. Analysts interviewed by "Caucasian Knot" previously stated about the absence of real political competition in these elections.

The Electoral Commission of Chechnya announced the recruitment of volunteers who will work at polling stations from September 18 to 20, reported on August 28 by the news agency "Chechnya Today" citing the Republic's Electoral Commission.

Volunteers are offered to assist elderly voters and people with disabilities, as well as parents with small children and strollers. In addition, volunteers will be able to participate in organizing concerts, competitions, and other festive events for voters, as stated in the publication.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that previously budget employees from Chechnya repeatedly complained about coercion to participate in various events during election campaigns. For instance, on March 12, 2024, a rally in support of Vladimir Putin took place in Grozny. Residents of Chechnya reported coercion of budget employees to participate in the event. Caucasus experts interviewed by "Caucasian Knot" also stated about the coercive nature.

On September 18, 2021, a teacher from Chechnya reported on a meeting at the university where the importance of participation in elections was discussed. On September 20, a teacher from the village of Samashki reported that educators were forced to write explanations if they did not conduct outreach with students' parents and convince them to participate in the voting.

On March 16, 2018, teachers and medical staff in Grozny reported an instruction to be present at polling stations from morning until the end of voting. Educators suggested that the presence of a large number of people was meant to create the impression of high voter activity. Authorities also called on residents to post on social media as part of the flash mob "I will go to the elections," while budget employees reported the coercive nature of their participation in this action.

Source: https://www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/426170