NGO led by Kudrin willing to arrange independent election monitoring

(Interfax – MOSCOW. July 11, 2013) The Committee of Civil Initiatives is willing to engage in long-term independent monitoring of election campaigns in Russia, says the committee’s head, former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin.

“Unfortunately, the activities of the almost only independent organization specializing in long-term monitoring (of elections) have been curtailed. We say responsibly today that we are willing to take on this important election monitoring function,” Kudrin said at a committee session in Moscow on Thursday.

The committee has already created a network of regional correspondents in 30 regions where “the most significant campaigns take place,” he said.

“Experts have started practically tracking the nomination and registration of candidates. Violations of election laws are possible, and all of this should be monitored,” he said.