Democracy knows no boundaries. In a remarkable model of transnational democracy, the Russian community in Kerala, India, recently participated in voting for the Russian Presidential Elections.
Kerala in the Russian Democratic Mosaic
In an exceptional event, the Russian citizens living in Kerala actively participated in their homeland’s presidential elections.
The Consulate of the Russian Federation, hosted at the Russian House in Thiruvananthapuram, provided the necessary facilitation for this unique feat of global democracy.
The Voting Consul of Russia and Director of the Russian House in Thiruvananthapuram, Ratheesh Nair, expressed his gratitude to the Russian community in Kerala for their enthusiastic participation in the process.
Nair said, “I am very grateful to the Russian citizens in Kerala for their cooperation and enthusiasm to cast votes in the process of electing their new president.”
The Transnational Electorate
The inclusive process extended to both long-term residents and tourists from Russia. The aim was to involve all citizens in the critical democratic process, signifying the strength of their democracy and their commitment to ensuring that every voice has the chance to influence electoral outcomes.
A Russian citizen, Ulia, voiced the community’s appreciation, saying, “Everyone who came today is Russian citizens either residing permanently in India or are visiting tourists.
Everybody is thankful and happy to come here and participate in the election, which is very important for every citizen.”
The Presidential Candidates
The electoral race marks a formidable challenge for the candidates opposing President Putin. The contenders – Leonid Slutsky of the Liberal Democratic Party, Vladislav Davankov of the New People Party, and Nikolay Kharitonov of the Communist Party – are reportedly pro-Kremlin.
As per a CNN report, they do not oppose Russia’s military stance against Ukraine.
However, Putin’s reelection, extending his rule until at least 2030, seems inevitable. Constitutional alterations allow Putin to potentially remain in power until 2036, further solidifying his stronghold.
The Significance
The participation of the Russian community in Kerala highlights the essential oneness that binds democratic societies across national boundaries.
It exemplifies how shared democratic principles can transcend geographical barriers, reinforcing the global democratic ethos. This reinforces Kerala’s position as a significant partner in the global democratic discourse.
In conclusion, the conduct of the Russian Presidential Elections in Kerala offers a compelling narrative of global democracy in action.
The collaborative efforts of Thiruvananthapuram’s Russian House and Consulate underscore the transnational ties that bind democratic communities — in this case, Russia and India — in a shared global democratic order.
As each vote is cast and counted, it is a testament to the ideals of democracy, transcending borders and binding citizens to their homeland —no matter where they are.
