Zakharova: attempts to disrupt elections under the guise of protest voting are aimed at destroying the understanding of democracy

Maria Zakharova stated that attempts to disrupt electoral procedures under the guise of “protest voting” are aimed at destroying citizens’ understanding of the essence of the democratic process.

According to Zakharova, voting is based on citizens expressing real political preferences, and destructive scenarios are aimed at discrediting the institution of elections.

MOSCOW, September 23 - RIA Novosti. Attempts to disrupt electoral procedures under the guise of “protest voting” are aimed at destroying citizens’ understanding of the very essence of the democratic process, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

“Electoral procedures are part of democracy, the democratic and political process in the country. If we hear calls to disrupt voting using the voting mechanisms themselves, we must give this a clear qualification... This is not a protest vote - this is the destruction of people’s understanding of why they need to vote,” Zakharova said on Sputnik radio.

The diplomat recalled that voting is based on citizens expressing real political preferences, while imposed destructive scenarios are aimed at discrediting the institution of elections as such.