CEC did not decide whether to send observers to Russian presidential elections

The Central Election Commission (CEC) failed at its Tuesday’s meeting to decide whether to accept the invitation from the Russian central electoral authority to delegate up to five persons as international experts to observe presidential elections in Russia, Info-Prim Neo reports. CEC vice president Renata Lapti proposed to delegate three members of the Commission. The Russian side covers all the expenses related to the stay in Russia, while CEC has to cover transport-related expenses. This is a chance to study Russian electoral procedures and techniques, she said. During the meeting, CEC members realised they did not discuss the financial aspect of this issue with the division in charge, so the approval of a decision on this issue was postponed until the following meeting. Presidential elections in Russia are due on 2 March 2008.