How the «elections» were held in the occupied Crimea: a political scientist explains

Russia-occupied Crimea held «elections» for local authorities. The turnout was low despite the option to vote from home, at work, online, and elsewhere. Political scientist Yevheniia Horyunova noted on Hromadske Radio that Crimeans’ attitudes toward both the local authorities and the Russian central government are gradually becoming more critical.

“These are not the first regional ‘elections’ in occupied Crimea. Every time, the occupation authorities stage these events, but people don’t attend. Crimeans realize that these elections don’t change anything, and those in power will stay. Perhaps a few new faces will appear, but the two existing clans, led by Konstantinov and Aksyonov, will continue to control the peninsula,” Horyunova said.

According to Horyunova, during the first «elections» in Crimea in 2014, some Crimeans genuinely hoped that life would improve under Russian control. By 2019, the situation had changed, with authorities managing to fabricate only about a third of the population’s turnout.

“Now, they’ve manipulated the system further: you can vote from home, at work, in hospitals—virtually anywhere. As a result, it’s impossible to verify how many people truly voted. In Sevastopol, online voting began even before the official start of the ‘elections,” she added.

The expert expects that they’ll fabricate a turnout figure of 40-45%. Crimeans increasingly realize that the authorities have been lying for years. Particularly this involves the security of the peninsula. This has led to a growing distrust and lack of respect for local officials.

Horyunova also noted that residents’ attitudes toward the Russian central government are shifting, as the illusions that existed post-annexation are gradually fading. However, criticizing the Kremlin remains dangerous, so it rarely surfaces in the public sphere.

“It’s evident that Russians relocated to the peninsula are more loyal to the authorities than Crimeans themselves. They are likely to participate more actively in the ‘elections’, especially retirees. According to various sources, between 600,000 and one million Russians have moved to Crimea over the years.”

The political scientist also pointed out that Russian military personnel stationed in Crimea are required to participate in the «elections.» This might even involve units not currently based on the peninsula.