75639 - Pseudo-referenda

N. Lygeros

Russia has the tradition to use pseudo-referenda in the occupied territories to legitimate the situation. This method is also used in the context of the annexation. This constitutes a mass manipulation in practice. This is the continuation of the techniques which were efficient in the past. From the start the Soviet Union spoiled the rights of people with pseudo-referenda. And now we see that Russia wants to do the same in Ukraine to justify its invasion. They are thinking of using the voting from home i.e. armed Russian military personnel will go house to house and interview the residents. We can easily imagine from now this kind of pressure on the free will of voters. We know already that Russian soldiers will threaten to shoot residents who do not vote for annexation. With these tactics the Russians want to change realities on the ground. Even now after so many months of failure, they are trying to save their invasion in this way. But it’s another proof that the reasons of the invasion were fake. They need to intimidate Ukrainian civilians because they are still fighting for a free Ukraine.