The OSCE said it will not be able to send observers to the elections to the State Duma

This is stated in the published statement of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

“The OSCE will not be able to send observers to the upcoming elections to the Duma due to restrictions imposed by the authorities of the Russian Federation in relation to election observation,” the statement says.

According to the head of the ODIHR, Matteo Mecacci, it is important for the organization to independently determine the required number of observers.

According to him, the demand of the Russian authorities to limit the number of observers "made such a step inevitable."

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Russia is ready to accept and ensure the safe stay of international observers for the upcoming elections of the State Duma deputies.

At the same time, the Foreign Ministry noted that international observers will need to comply with all the requirements established by Rospotrebnadzor.