DISINFO: There is democracy in Russia, since there are a lot of participants in the Duma elections
SUMMARY
There is democracy in Russia, since there are a lot of participants in the Russian parliamentary elections.
RESPONSE
A large number of candidates does not guarantee that the whole electoral process meets the high standard of democracy. Many candidates were denied the right to register.
The OSCE was unable to observe and evaluate the electoral parliamentary elections of 17-19 September 2021 due to major limitations imposed by Russian Authorities.
On 20 September the EU expressed its deep concerns :
The EU reiterates its deep concerns over the continuous pattern of shrinking space for the opposition, civil society and independent voices across Russia. The EU calls on Russia’s leadership to reverse these negative developments.
See also other similar cases on the Duma election.