Vientiane: 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.
According to Lao News Agency, 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 emphasized that Russian citizens abroad should have the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote. He highlighted the importance of supporting overseas voting as an essential responsibility of Russian diplomatic missions and consular offices.
The State Duma, being the lower house of Russia’s Federal Assembly, has deputies elected for five-year terms. The 2026 election is crucial as it determines the composition of the ninth convocation.
Ambassador Zhestkii mentioned that Russian nationals currently in Laos include official representatives, their family members, tourists, and business travelers. It was reported 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 facilitate voting for eligible Russian nationals in Laos. Russian diplomatic missions worldwide have set up polling arrangements in various countries for citizens outside Russia during the election period.
The Ambassador expressed gratitude to the Lao PDR leadership and the Ministry of Public Security for ensuring security and public order during the election process. He noted feeling safe among what he described as “true friends” and underscored the importance of continued cooperation and support from the Lao side.
This 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, as well as the broader conduct of the election, have been subjects of international dispute. Meanwhile, Russian authorities maintain that the election is being conducted in accordance with Russian law.
