Social network users criticize official data on voter turnout in Chechnya

Instagram users post ironic comments concerning the information released by the Election Commission for Chechnya, according to which the republic registered the highest turnout in the Russian Federation during the voting on amendments to the Constitution. The Election Commission for Chechnya explained the active voting of local people by large-scale agitation campaign.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in the period from June 25 to July 1, in Russia, people are voting on amendments to the Constitution. In Chechnya, public sector employees claimed coercion to voting.

Chechnya registered the highest voter turnout in Russia, reported Ella Pamfilova, the chair of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Russia, as quoted by the RIA "Novosti".

"The leader of the region, the mufti of the republic, various leaders, and well-known people urged people to vote ... Residents of the republic traditionally demonstrate their high responsibility and civic position in such matters," a member of the Election Commission for Chechnya said.

The official information has raised doubts among local residents. "I, my neighbours, and many of my relatives and acquaintances did not go to polling stations and are not going to vote. Perhaps, as usual, the high turnout can be explained by officials and public sector employees who were obliged to go to the voting," said Salavdi, a resident of Grozny.