MOSCOW, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Russian presidential election was democratic, transparent and fair, with the electoral process proceeding smoothly and calmly without any detected irregularities, the Chinese observer delegation said Monday.
At the invitation of the Russian Central Election Commission (CEC), the delegation observed the preparation and implementation process of the Russian presidential election from Friday to Sunday, the delegation said in a statement submitted by Li Hui, head of the Chinese observer delegation for the Russian presidential election and special representative of the Chinese government on Eurasian affairs.
During their stay in Russia, the delegation met with representatives from the CEC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other institutions, and the delegation members were briefed on the election preparations, the statement said.
The delegation visited polling stations in Moscow, observing the preparation of ballots and ballot boxes, voter identity verification, ballot distribution, voting and vote-counting, it said.
The election commissions of the observed districts comprehensively and in a timely manner published the election regulations and candidate information, effectively ensuring voters' right to information, the statement said, adding that the media extensively and openly reported on the election process.
The election result is the independent choice of the Russian people, the statement said, adding that China respects the choice of the Russian people and sincerely congratulates President Vladimir Putin on his re-election as Russian president, believing in and firmly supporting Russia's efforts in achieving national stability, development and revitalization.
The observer delegation expressed its gratitude for the support and assistance provided by the CEC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other institutions and departments. ■
