Stability for Russia is stability for the world

With the upcoming presidential elections in the Russian Federation it is hoped that stability and continued positive growth will prevail through the application of democratic processes according to Russian Ambassador to Malaysia Valery Yermolov.

The veteran diplomat told (media name) that stability in the country, whose contributions to the global order especially in security issues and cultural and technological exchanges among other things are greatly appreciated, will benefit not just Russia but the world at large.

Question 1: Why the upcoming presidential elections are so important for Russia and its citizens?

Valery Yermolov: First of all, I would like to mention that according to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, Russia is a democratic law-bound state headed by the President, who is elected every six years by citizens of our country. Elections are a legislative procedure that we respect and have to follow.

Despite the fact that Russia is a relatively young democracy, elections have already become a vital part of our statehood. Elections give Russian citizens opportunity to take part in identifying the future of our nation by freely expressing either support to the current leadership of the state or disagreement.

Upcoming presidential elections in Russia, to be held on March 18, 2018, are as much important, as complicated are the challenges that our country has to address at present moment. Be it security issues, such as international terrorism and extremism, foreign sanctions and anti-Russia hysteria that aggravates from month to month, or goals of sustainable domestic economic and social development – all these issues are a responsibility of the President of Russia.

Obviously our citizens want to see a strong, dedicated and reliable person at the helm of our state. And it is their right and responsibility to choose the one.

Question 2: Please describe the election process in Russia and what are the safeguards in ensuring a fair and democratic election?

Valery Yermolov: The presidential elections’ rules in Russia are determined by the Federal Law No. 19-FZ “On the elections of the President of the Russian Federation”, dated January 10, 2003, and by the Federal Law No. 67-FZ “On basic guarantees of electoral rights and the right of citizens of the Russian Federation to participate in a referendum”, dated June 12, 2002.

These legal acts stipulate the conditions and procedures of electoral process in our country that corresponds to high international standards and reflects commitments of Russia under corresponding international agreements.

Among the key guarantees of electoral rights is the possibility for Russians, permanently residing outside their homeland or being on business or recreational trip abroad, to participate in the presidential elections by casting their votes at the polling stations, established in all diplomatic and consular missions of Russia (total – about 400 polling stations outside Russia). Early voting and so-called “guest voting” in foreign cities with dense population of Russian compatriots or tourists are also a common practice, used by Russian embassies and consulates to let our citizens exercise their constitutional right to elect the leader of their country.

For example, on March 11 Russian Embassy in Malaysia held early voting for our compatriots who stayed in Penang and Langkawi islands. On the official election day, March 18, the voting will take place at the Embassy’s premises on Jalan Ampang. The only requirement the voter should fulfill upon arrival to polling station is to show his Russian passport for overseas trips.

And, of course, in order to make upcoming elections transparent for international community, Russian government invited representatives of foreign media, as well as foreign experts to observe the voting process at the polling stations located in Russia and abroad. You will see that we have nothing to hide and is ready to share its best practices with those who seek for it.

Question 3: There is always a question of security and considering the current geopolitical climate, the threat of terrorism and foreign interference. Is Russia prepared to counter these challenges during the elections?

Valery Yermolov: Of course, Russian law enforcement and special agencies have done a huge job to create favorable conditions for smooth and safe elections. When it comes to the security of our citizens within the borders of Russia, rest assured that we will do our best to let them freely and uninterruptedly exercise their electoral rights.

Concerning foreign interference, Russian foreign ministry and its diplomatic missions are working closely with our foreign partners to ensure that the rights of Russian citizens to elect their President are equally safeguarded and fulfilled outside their homeland.

We were very much saddened by the fact that some of our closest neighbours, like Latvia and Estonia, refused to authorize our request to establish additional polling stations for Russians with permanent residence in cities, located far enough from the capitals where embassies usually stay. We are also concerned by recently announced plans of several radical nationalist organizations in Ukraine to hamper voting to be held at Russian diplomatic and consular missions in this country. I strongly hope that the Ukrainian authorities will not allow such uncivilized intentions to materialise.

Anyway, these examples are more like an exception than a rule. Generally our foreign partners show understanding and give their full cooperation to organising elections abroad. Like in Malaysia, where authorities are always helpful and ready to provide security assistance to our Embassy during the day of voting.

Question 4: Russia and its current leadership have always advocated for a multi-polar world, which many nations avoid. Are we seeing Russia being genuine to this concept by giving its own people the right to choose their leaders?

Valery Yermolov: The concept of multi-polar world was put forward by former Russian foreign minister Yevgeny Primakov some 20 years ago. You are right that since that period Russian leadership has always been talking about the emergence of the so-called polycentric world order. It is the world order that we currently live in and where no single nation has an exclusive right for hegemony and domination in international affairs. Issues that arise in international relations can be resolved only through collective effort of the whole international community.

Idea of polycentric world order is at the core of Russian foreign policy, striving to establish equal and mutually respectful relations with all countries. This is a principal position of modern Russia that is widely supported by our citizens.

And I believe that no matter whom the Russians support during upcoming presidential elections, first of all they will be voting for a strong, independent and prosperous Russia, which has its own stance in polycentric world.

Question 5: Why should distant countries such as Malaysia be interested in Russia’s national elections?

Valery Yermolov: This year is a significant period for both of our countries, as we are holding presidential elections in Russia and Malaysia will hold GE-14.

For both Russians and Malaysians, elections are a time of utmost concern about the future of their homeland, for continuity of economic and social policies of the current government, as well as maintenance of good relations with foreign nations. New leaders may bring positive change, and it is the responsibility of our peoples to choose the right leaders for their country.

Russia has always advocated ideals of justice and democracy in international affairs, and loyalty to international law. Russia stays at the forefront of the global combat against terrorism and extremism. It actively promotes its culture, art and education as an answer to current challenges of barbarism, intolerance and aggressive radicalism which threaten the entire civilization. Thus, stability in Russia and our country’s continued adherence to its international commitments will be beneficial for all actors of global arena.

Question 6: The US and certain Western nations seek to make their national elections a topic of global interest. Does Russia share this view?

Valery Yermolov: Russia never purposefully seeks global attention towards its domestic or foreign affairs, but as it usually happens, fame finds us where we least expect it.

Take the hackneyed accusations of Russia of meddling into 2016 presidential elections in the United States or the recent flagrant fabrication – on Russia’s involvement in poisoning Sergey Skripal and his daughter in British Salisbury. These episodes show that groundless anti-Russian hysteria continues to flourish in several Western countries, who want to get more followers involved in its campaign.

Russia has always supported any democratic elections held in other countries and expressed its readiness to work with lawfully elected governments. This was true to the elections in the United States, in France, Philippines, Myanmar, etc. In the context of presidential elections in Russia, of course, we are looking forward to the similar approach by our foreign partners.

What we would like to demonstrate to international community is Russia’s openness and sincere desire to create all necessary conditions for open, fair and democratic elections, where Russians will exercise their right to choose the leader of their country. I hope Malaysians will see that we are genuine in our aspirations.

Question 7: Every country is different but what are some of the issues important to voters that would be of interest to the Malaysian audience?

Valery Yermolov: The most important question that a voter has to answer before elections is whether his choice brings any changes to the future of his country.
Some people in Russia falsely believe that their vote does not matter at all and decide not to come to polling stations.

While as a matter of fact every decision we make in our life brings change, positive or negative, it depends. If we choose to remain silent, someone else will definitely steal our chance to speak up. Each citizen who sincerely loves his homeland should not let anyone steal his chance to determine the future of his country. Thus, we should come and vote for our future and the future of our children.