Andrey Maslov discussed the results of the Russian Observation Mission of the Public Chamber at the elections in Tanzania
During the press-conference, its participants discussed the results of the observation mission's work, meetings with officials and other accredited international observation missions. They also commented on the domestic unrest witnessed by the Russian observation mission.
Andrey Maslov, Director of the HSE Center for African Studies, noted the international recognition and authority of Russian observers, and in particular the Civic Chamber, in African countries.
«The participation of Russian observers in the electoral process in Tanzania demonstrates the high level of trust towards our country. Furthermore, the Russian observation mission increases African countries' confidence in their own electoral process and its effectiveness», noted Andrey Maslov.
According to him, «Tanzania's political system is one of the most mature and stable on the continent, and has repeatedly proven its competitiveness, openness, and capacity for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. Despite this, these elections are the first in the country's history that it has organized independently, demonstrating Tanzania's sovereign path to development and, at the same time, demonstrating the high quality of Russian-Tanzanian relations».
Alexander Asafov, First Deputy Chairman of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation's Commission on Public Examination of Bills and Other Regulatory Documents, emphasized the high level of preparation and conduct of elections in Tanzania.
«Seventeen parties participated in the elections, and voters cast three ballots. Thanks to the mandate of the Independent National Electoral Commission of Tanzania, members of the Russian observation mission were able to look closely at all stages of the electoral process. We saw no violation», Alexander Asafov shared his observation experience.
Alexander Kholodov, Deputy Chairman of the Commission on security and cooperation with public supervisory commissions of the Russian Civic Chamber, highlighted the distinctive features of the Russian observation mission:
«Russia doesn't evaluate the conduct of elections, doesn't teach how to vote correctly, and who to elect. Instead, we observe objectively, earning the sympathy of foreign election commissions».
This idea was continued by Yevgeny Zabrodin, member of the Commission on Information Community, Mass Media, and Communications of the Russian Civic Chamber:
«Unlike Western countries, we do not seek to impose our model of democracy. Russia is a kind of a benchmark with its own expert function, advocating for equal relations and pluralism» - Yevgeny Zabrodin pointed out.
Ilya Gerasyov, member of the Commission on Sovereignty, Patriotic Projects, and Support of Veterans of the Russian Civic Chamber, summarized the results of the observation mission:
«Participation in such observation missions is a unique opportunity to record important details and establish a dialogue with the locals».
Moreover, Andrey Maslov provided his expert opinio of the recent political unrest in Tanzania. He noted the negative role of the social media in spreading fake news and misinformation about the protests and domestic uprisings in Tanzania.
«Fake news were generated by certain social groups counting on support from Western countries and continued European funding... Recent events served as a "test of strength" for further escalation of foreign intervention».
«At the same time, - Maslov noted, Western countries, and in particular German political elites, failed to make a coordinated decision to support so-called "civil" society in Tanzania, which was the main reason for the failure of foreign intervention».
Andrey Maslov
Director, Centre for African Studies