The Russian State Duma elections in September 2026 will become a major testing ground for the Kremlin’s new institutionalized strategy of international observation. However, it seems that the ultimate goal is not the Duma elections as such, but the creation of a permanent, scalable model of authoritarian legitimation.

On 14-15 April 2026, Moscow hosted the International Scientific and Practical Conference on Insuring Observation and Expertise of Electoral Processes. This large-scale event took place at the infamous Russia National Center. Organizers claimed the participation of over 150 experts from 60 countries, including representatives of electoral bodies, NGOs, parliamentarians and human rights activists alongside “experienced” fake observers. This reflects the Kremlin’s ambition to institutionalize fake election observation efforts on a global scale.

Read the full analysis by the Russian Election Monitor here.