KPL
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Lao PDR opened a polling station in Vientiane on September 20, 2026, allowing Russian citizens residing in or temporarily visiting Laos to participate in Russia’s elections.
(KPL) The voting is part of Russia’s 2026 election cycle, which includes elections to the 9th convocation of the State Duma, as well as regional and local elections. Voting across Russia and at designated overseas polling stations is being conducted from September 18 to 20.
Speaking to the media at the polling station, Russian Ambassador to the Lao PDR Sergei Zhestkii said Russian citizens abroad should have the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote, making support for overseas voting an important responsibility of Russian diplomatic missions and consular offices.
The State Duma is the lower house of Russia’s Federal Assembly, with deputies elected for five-year terms. The 2026 election determines the composition of the ninth convocation.
Ambassador Zhestkii said Russian nationals currently in Laos include official representatives and their family members, as well as tourists and business travellers. He noted that more than 1,000 Russian citizens visited Laos during the first half of 2026, with some remaining in the country during the election period.
A polling station for Russian citizens was established at the Russian Embassy in Vientiane to enable eligible voters in Laos to cast their ballots. Russian diplomatic missions abroad have established polling arrangements in a number of countries for citizens who are outside Russia during the election period.
The Ambassador also expressed appreciation to the Lao PDR leadership and the Ministry of Public Security for supporting security and public order during the organisation of the election.
“During the organization of the elections in your country, we undoubtedly feel safe among true friends,” Ambassador Zhestkii said, highlighting what he described as the importance of continued cooperation and support from the Lao side.
The election marks the first nationwide parliamentary vote since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The participation of voters in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine and the broader conduct of the election have been subjects of international dispute, while Russian authorities maintain that the election is being conducted in accordance with Russian law.
KPL
