Voters in southern Russia do not expect changes after the elections.

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Residents of Kuban and North Ossetia admitted that they do not perceive elections as a way to change something in the country or express their protest; they do not expect significant political changes after the elections.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on September 19, members of the election commissions in Sochi reported various voter activity, but noted that a significant portion voted early. They also noted that voters doubt their ability to influence what is happening in the country. Activists stated that in the Lazarevsky district, there was an abnormal discrepancy in turnout data and active use of mobile voting during the elections.

Residents of Krasnodar Krai and North Ossetia told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot" how they perceive the elections and whether it is possible to express protest in Russia today. This material is not a public opinion poll and does not claim to be representative. Its purpose is not to determine the political preferences of voters or their intentions to vote for specific candidates, nor to predict election results.

Whoever is elected, we will work with them

An activist from Novorossiysk Zhanna Mingalevich believes that the residents of the city actively participate in the elections, but expects the victory of the candidate from "United Russia". "Yes, everyone votes in Novorossiysk. I know each candidate personally. But they will most likely elect or re-elect the candidate from 'ER'. Whoever is elected, we will work with them. The most important thing is the movement towards better," said Mingalevich.

She does not associate participation in the elections with the possibility of expressing political protest. According to her, many voted when it was convenient for them; she personally voted on the first day of the elections.

An observer from Krasnodar Alla reported that on September 20, she saw voters at several polling stations whom she perceived as anti-war. "By noon, clearly anti-war voters were coming. But there were very few of them. Guys and girls, mostly young people," the observer said.

According to her, during the counting of ballots at the polling stations, ballots with various inscriptions were found. "Naturally, such ballots were recognized as spoiled by the commissions," the observer said.

I think no one had any illusions throughout the voting period that these elections could change anything

She believes that for some voters, a spoiled ballot could be a way to express their attitude towards what is happening. However, the observer does not believe that such actions can change the election results. "I think no one had any illusions throughout the voting period that these elections could change anything," she said.

The observer notes that she knew about the opposition's call to come at noon on September 20, but believes that people considered these calls dangerous: "There are cameras everywhere. People could simply be identified, and then goodbye freedom. That’s why they didn’t come in mass at noon," she concludes.

The same people are still in the ring

An activist from North Ossetia and a member of the "Apple" party Atsamaz stated that after the party's list was removed from the elections, he did not intend to participate in the voting. "Because there is no one to choose from. The same people are still in the ring," said the activist.

He believes that the current electoral system does not allow for significant changes, but expects the ruling party to win. The man also expressed a sharply critical opinion about the political sentiments of the region's residents, who support the current authorities and their actions.

It's a pity that our children are growing up in such an environment

A resident of Sochi, originally from Abkhazia Sergey also does not expect serious changes from the elections. He admitted that he is oppressed by the cult of aggression everywhere, and many citizens are afraid to admit that they are tired of living in an atmosphere of constant fear. "It's a pity that our children are growing up in such an environment," Sergey said.

According to him, he came to the elections at the request of his employer. "I checked boxes next to everyone. It’s very unpleasant when there is no freedom," he said. He knew about the initiative "Noon for a Peaceful Russia" but thought it would not affect the election results and went to vote when it was convenient for him.

Our electoral system is completely administratively bent

An activist excluded from the Communist Party Viktor Smirnov believes that the electoral system does not allow elections to significantly influence the political situation. "Our electoral system is completely administratively bent. The members of the election commissions are all representatives of administrations and various kinds of proxies of United Russia. What can such elections change?" he asks.

He reported that on September 20, he voted at a polling station in a school at the Ministerial Lakes. "There were not many voters," Smirnov reported.

In his opinion, the problem lies not only in the voting procedure but also in citizens' attitudes towards elections. "I would like to change people's consciousness and approach to this electoral system, but no one will allow that," he said.

A resident of Anapa Vasily reported that he decided to use the ballot to express his dissatisfaction with his situation. "I am a deceived shareholder. What has this power given me? Nothing! As long as I live, I strive for justice. The system protects fraudsters. They profit and thrive. And law enforcement works against us," said Vasily.

"I wrote: 'Stop robbing the people!'" Ivanenko said. In his opinion, such an action is a way to express his attitude towards the authorities. "When the people are taught to be afraid to say anything against 'ER', what elections can we talk about? The power is maintained by force and falsifications, the absence of free media, and the propaganda of cruelty," he believes.

There is no opposition or organization that could enlighten people

An expert in electoral law Elena Didenko believes that significant political changes in the country are not to be expected. According to her, in the regions, particularly in Krasnodar Krai, opposition forces lack organizations and opportunities to work with voters. "There is no opposition or organization that could enlighten people. There is no alternative," she said.

In her assessment, voters with different views on what is happening understand that the election results are predictable in advance.

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