Australia is aware that Russia held presidential elections between 15 and 17 March 2024.
These elections were not free, fair, inclusive or credible. They took place in the context of the Russian Government's longstanding crackdown on the freedom of opinion and expression, and on opposition figures, civil society, independent journalists, human rights defenders and anti-war voices. These elections were held just weeks after the tragic death of Russia's most prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny, for which we hold the Russian Government responsible.
Australia remains deeply concerned by the deliberate exclusion of genuine opposition candidates, the lack of independent and impartial observers, credible reports of voter coercion and arbitrary detention, and by evidence suggesting vote fraud and manipulation. Australia urges the Russian Government to comply with its international human rights obligations, including the freedom to vote and be elected, the freedom of assembly and association, the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs, the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The Russian Government agreed to these obligations by joining the relevant international treaties.
Australia is also aware that the Russian Government conducted sham elections in Ukrainian territories, which reflects its continuing efforts to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. Australia rejects the outcome of these sham elections and again calls on Russia to immediately withdraw from Ukraine's internationally recognised territory.
We recognise the significant work undertaken by Russian opposition voices to support democracy and human rights in Russia, and acknowledge the ongoing risks they face. Australia again calls on Russia to immediately and unconditionally release all those detained for exercising their human rights.
