“We are all interested in the elections being held openly, honestly, with dignity, on a highly competitive basis.
This is important for our leading parties, for those social forces who are not represented in parliament, but plan to take part in the elections, ”Putin said.
He noted that this is also important for voters.
“It is they, the voters, who will determine the results of the election campaign, it is they, the citizens of Russia, who will make their choice, and we must protect this choice from any attempts of external interference.
We cannot and will not allow any blows to the sovereignty of Russia, by the right of our people to be the master of their land, "Putin said.
Earlier, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said about the need to do everything to prevent attempts of foreign interference in the affairs of Russia during the elections in September.
He noted that, based on the past elections and the current situation, there is an understanding that "they will interfere, as before."