SCO Observer Mission Begins Monitoring Russian State Duma Elections

On 16 September 2026, in Moscow, as the SCO Observer Mission began its work monitoring the elections to the State Duma of the Russian Federation, a meeting was held between the Head of the Mission, SCO Deputy Secretary-General Piao Yangfan, and Chair of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation E.A. Pamfilova.

E.A. Pamfilova thanked the Mission for taking part in the international observation of the elections and confirmed the CEC of Russia's readiness to facilitate its work in every possible way. She briefed the participants on the preparations for the elections and on measures aimed at ensuring the openness, transparency, accessibility and security of the electoral process.

Piao Yangfan thanked the Russian side for creating favourable conditions for the Mission's work. The Deputy Secretary-General noted the importance of the upcoming elections for the political life of the Russian Federation and wished for a successful vote.

SCO Observer Mission Begins Monitoring Russian State Duma Elections

On the same day, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between Piao Yangfan and Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian MFA A.S. Avdeev and Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for SCO Affairs B.M. Khakimov. The parties discussed issues related to the organization of the Mission's work and its interaction with the Russian side during the elections.

SCO Observer Mission Begins Monitoring Russian State Duma Elections

On 17 September 2026, SCO Deputy Secretary-General Piao Yangfan met with Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Independent States S.N. Lebedev. During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on international election observation and on interaction between the SCO and the CIS.

On the evening of 17 September 2026, Piao Yangfan held a working meeting with the members of the SCO Observer Mission representing the Organization's member states.

SCO Observer Mission Begins Monitoring Russian State Duma Elections

During the meeting, participants were briefed on the Mission's tasks, legal framework and operating principles, as well as on the organizational aspects of the upcoming observation. It was emphasized that the observation would be conducted objectively, impartially and independently, in strict compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the state.

The SCO Observer Mission continues its work monitoring the preparation and holding of the elections to the State Duma of the Russian Federation. Voting is being held over three days - 18, 19 and 20 September 2026.