Donetsk republic polls comply with European standards - Russian lawmaker
DONETSK. Nov 2 (Interfax) - Sunday's elections of the self-proclaimed Donetsk republic's head and parliament proceeded in compliance with European standards, Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the State Duma's Committee for CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, said at a press conference in Donetsk.
"The elections were held in full accordance with the European election practice," said Slutsky, who is in Donbas with other observers.
"Six Russian parliamentary deputies, representing the Liberal-Democratic Party, A Just Russia, Communists and Motherland party (Rodina), were observing the elections. We worked in one team with foreign observers visiting all parts of the Donetsk republic. No serious irregularities were registered," Slutsky said.
"The election had been prepared in a very complicated setting. They were well organized, and the district election commission worked professionally handling the huge inflow of voters starting from the morning," the Russian lawmaker said.
At some polling stations voter turnout reached 10%-15% between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. - "an amazing result," he said.
People were casting their ballots aware that they were opening a new chapter in their history," he said.