We received this text from a person who could be described as an election observation organiser in one of the Volga region territories. We decided to publish it with the author's consent as a testimony of the past elections.

The system's logic is simple: if "loyal" people and mobilized staff are working on the ground, the 55% threshold at 45% turnout is achievable. If even one municipality "underperforms," the entire regional result drops.

A transparent procedure is set out in detail in the law, and any departure from it is a violation of the law in itself and, at the same time, a signal: the commission is creating conditions in which more serious violations can be concealed.

What is international observation and how does it work

Throughout Russia's recent history, a broad arsenal of falsification technologies has been used in elections.

And on attempts to reform election observation in Russia

Let's take a look at what Russia's parliamentary parties — those most directly affected by REV — think of these systems.

The authorities tested the system, gradually making it impervious to independent observation, and expanded the geography of its use, so that in the coming years internet voting may completely displace ordinary paper ballots.

the authorities have finally achieved what they were aiming for when they launched the video-monitoring game in 2012: a pretty picture with a complete absence of substance