Duma introduces criminal liability up to five years in prison for “carousel” in the election
For such offenses is now acting administrative liability with a maximum amount of the penalty to 50 thousand roubles.
MOSCOW, 7 July. /TASS/. The state Duma on Friday adopted in first reading the bill on introduction of criminal liability up to five years in prison for the so-called merry-go-round and for stuffing in the election. Its authors were members of the lower house Pavel Krasheninnikov and Victor Pinsky and Federation Council member Andrei Klishas.
According to the text of the initiative, it is proposed to Supplement the criminal code a new article “Illegal issuance and receipt of the ballot, ballot for referendum.” It provides that the extradition of a member of electoral Commission or referendum Commission citizen of the ballots in order to enable him to vote instead of another voter or more than two times during the same voting or delivery to the citizens of completed ballots shall be punished with a fine in the amount from 100 thousand to 300 thousand roubles or compulsory works for a term up to four years, or imprisonment for the same term.
For obtaining of the ballot for voting instead of other voters or to participate in voting more than two times the proposed penalty of a fine in the amount from 200 thousand to 500 thousand rubles or compulsory works or deprivation of liberty for a term up to 4 years. If such actions are committed by a group of persons upon a preliminary collusion or by an organized group, the maximum penalties proposed to tighten up to five years of imprisonment.
For such offenses is now acting administrative liability with a maximum amount of the penalty to 50 thousand roubles.
The bill is aimed at improving the fairness and transparency of the electoral process, the fight against fraud. The introduction of criminal liability for these offences is a necessary measure.Paul Krisenkommunikation of the Duma Committee on state construction and legislation
In his words, “electoral carousel is a fraud, the consequences of which, depending on the level of elections can influence the life of every citizen of the country, violating their constitutional rights.” Therefore, in his words, “to deal with such socially dangerous acts should be a most drastic way.” The draft law received positive feedback from the government and the Supreme court.