Russian Central Election Commission Plans 2025 Elections

On December 24, the Central Election Commission (CEC) held its final meeting of the year, where they approved the work plan for the upcoming year. The commission is preparing not only for the upcoming elections to the State Duma but also for a change in its own composition. CEC Chairperson Ella Pamfilova expressed optimism, stating her confidence that the majority of current commission members will retain their powers in 2026.

However, the process of forming new territorial election commissions (TECs) is already underway at the local level and is not without incidents. A complaint has been filed with the CEC by Orenburg communists regarding their representatives being denied access to the TECs.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) convened for its final session of the year on December 24. During this meeting, the commission officially approved its operational strategy for the coming year. The agenda focused heavily on the logistical requirements for the approaching electoral cycle.

Preparations are twofold: the commission must organize the logistics for the upcoming elections to the State Duma. Simultaneously, the commission is managing the transition regarding its own internal staffing. This involves ensuring continuity for its current members while preparing for potential new appointments.

Speaking on the future of the commission, CEC Chairperson Ella Pamfilova conveyed a positive outlook regarding the stability of the commission's leadership. She indicated that she is full of optimism concerning the retention of the current commission members.

Pamfilova expressed her certainty that the majority of the acting members will successfully renew their powers for the year 2026. This statement suggests a desire for continuity in the commission's leadership during this critical electoral period.

While the central body plans for the future, issues have already arisen at the local level regarding the formation of new territorial election commissions (TECs). The process of updating these local commissions is currently in full swing across the regions, but it has not been entirely smooth.

Specifically, a conflict has emerged in the Orenburg region. Representatives from the local communist party have filed a formal complaint with the CEC. The grievance centers on the allegation that their representatives are being barred from entering the TECs, potentially hindering their ability to participate in the formation process.

The Central Election Commission is currently balancing high-level strategic planning with immediate regional challenges. While Chairperson Ella Pamfilova looks toward 2026 with confidence in her team, the situation in Orenburg highlights the complexities involved in managing local election administration. As the year progresses, the resolution of these local access issues will likely serve as an early test of the commission's ability to manage the transition effectively.