Civic Chamber of Russia to present report on observation missions at the National Centre RUSSIA

At the final "Community" forum in Moscow, the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation will present a report on the work of its 2024 observation missions. The session "Civic Chamber Electoral Expertise: Results of National and International Monitoring" will serve as a platform to discuss the development of the Russian model of independent observation — from the first civic headquarters to its current global reach.

The discussion will focus on how the role of civil society in election monitoring has evolved over time, what the institution of public observation has achieved since it was enshrined in law in 2018, and how independent civic oversight has influenced public trust in elections.

Participants will also explore the significance of the Civic Chamber’s international missions — why the presence of Russian observers at key elections abroad matters not only for exchanging experience but also for fostering a broader understanding of fair voting principles.

A separate topic will address independent electoral expertise of foreign elections and its growing relevance as an alternative to Western approaches to assessing democratic processes.

The session will feature the presentation of the Civic Chamber’s report on the work of its observation missions, as well as a new methodology for evaluating election effectiveness developed by experts from the Financial University under the Government of Russia. These materials will form the basis for discussion of the practical outcomes of election monitoring and the further development of the public oversight system.

The session will be moderated by Chair of the Civic Chamber Commission for Public Oversight and Citizen Appeals, Alena Bulgakova, who noted that it will bring together experts to discuss modern Russian approaches to assessing electoral processes.

"Our tools for independent assessment of electoral procedures receive positive feedback and are increasingly in demand abroad. The thematic session will focus on what makes the Russian institution of observation unique, what enables us to objectively analyse electoral processes in various countries, and how the effectiveness of our domestic monitoring tools is proven in practice," said the Civic Chamber member.

Co-moderator of the session and First Deputy Chair of the Civic Chamber Commission for Public Expert Review of Draft Laws and Other Regulatory Acts, Alexander Asafov, stated that over the past ten years, the Civic Chamber has evolved into a recognised centre for electoral expertise.

"This is an enormous body of experience that has grown alongside the practices of civic observation and public oversight. Over the years, significant progress has been made: today, the approaches developed in Russia are in demand among our partners in the BRICS and SCO countries. Members of the Civic Chamber take part in international observation missions, and a large professional community of experts has been established," he said.

Asafov emphasised that civic observation is now perceived by voters as an essential part of the electoral process, while international activity has become a form of public diplomacy and a means of engaging with civil societies of other nations.

"In this field, the Civic Chamber and its experts are rightfully recognised as a leading centre for electoral expertise," he added.

A dedicated segment of the session will address the upcoming 2026 State Duma elections, focusing on improving monitoring methodologies, training observers, and strengthening international cooperation.

In 2025, the Civic Chamber of Russia will celebrate its 20th anniversary. The final "Community" forum — the key event of the anniversary year — will take place ahead of National Unity Day at the National Centre RUSSIA. The forum’s theme is "Institutions of Civil Society: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow".

Participation is free. Registration is required for in-person attendance.