Occupiers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast establish "election committee" for "referendum"

KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO — SATURDAY, 23 JULY 2022, 18:48

The occupiers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast have established an "election committee" to hold a so-called "referendum" on whether the captured regions of the Oblast should join the Russian Federation.

Source: Yevhen Balytskyi, the so-called head of the temporary administration of Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, on Telegram

Quote: "In order for the referendum procedure to be clear and legitimate, and to protect the electoral rights of citizens, I have signed a decree establishing an election committee in Zaporizhzhia Oblast."

Details: According to Balytskyi, the so-called "referendum" should take place in the autumn. The occupiers are currently doing preparatory work "in several areas at once, one of which is legislative".

Balytskyi stated that all previous agencies that were involved in the organisation of elections in the captured territory of Zaporizhzhia Oblast officially ceased to exist from the moment the decree was signed.

Balytskyi also announced the establishment of an "absolutely new open structure", the "election committee". It will apparently be made up of representatives of public organisations and groups of citizens based on their place of residence, work or service.

Background: On 14 July, the puppet authorities appointed by the occupiers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast said they wanted to hold a so-called "referendum on joining the Russian Federation" in early autumn.

On 18 July, the Russian Federation appointed Anton Koltsov as head of the "government" of the occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. He previously held the position of first deputy governor of Vologda Oblast in the Russian Federation.