PACE describes voting process in Russia as smooth, cooperation of authorities as good – statement

BRUSSELS. Sept 20 (Interfax) – An Election Assessment Mission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has noted good cooperation of the Russian authorities and the generally uninterrupted process of the parliamentary election in the country.

"The delegation appreciated the good co-operation of the authorities as well as the generally smooth voting process on the election days," the PACE said in a statement published on its website.

At the same time, the delegation noted "concerns, notably expressed by certain political stakeholders, about the electoral framework and environment which appear to have impacted the electoral process."

This information will be summarized in a memorandum to be discussed at the Bureau, the PACE’s governance entity, the statement said. The evaluation will also be taken into consideration in the report on the honoring of commitments and obligations by the Russian Federation.

The PACE Election Assessment Mission expects the Russian delegation to the PACE to continue cooperation and political dialogue with the PACE Monitoring Committee "so as to address the long-standing issues relating to the electoral framework, process and practices."

The PACE Election Assessment Mission comprised five people who stayed in Moscow during the parliamentary elections in Russia on September 17-19.

Pierre-Alain Fridez of Switzerland led the delegation and a representative of the Venice Commission provided advice to it.

The State Duma election, as well as regional elections at various levels, took place in Russia on September 17-19.