Residents of Makhachkala report about pressure with the aim to increase turnout at Russian presidential election

Residents of the capital of Dagestan complain about pressure on voters on the eve of the election of Russian President. According to their story, the republic's authorities are trying to raise the voter turnout. The Ministry of Education and Sciences of Dagestan, which is accused of using their administrative resources, said that working to improve the voter turnout within the law.

Today, a school teacher from Makhachkala, who preferred to remain anonymous, said that his school director demanded from all his subordinates to go and vote at the election on March 4.

"During the week, there are constant talks that each of us must go to the polls. The director showed a spreadsheet that he received at the Ministry of Education and Sciences of Dagestan, containing the name of every teacher and the place, where he or she should go and vote. The school boss said that everyone should report to him about where he or she voted; then, he will bring the filled-in spreadsheet back to the Ministry," said the source.

He added that there is no open agitation; however, the director said repeatedly at meetings that he would vote for Vladimir Putin. "Thus, he gave a clear guidance; now you just try to go against the boss. I am afraid that many teachers will surely - to avoid any misunderstanding - and openly put their ticks against the incumbent prime minister," said the teacher.

Shamil Magomedaliev, a resident of Makhachkala, said that in kindergartens parents are asked to bring copies of their passports. "Educators say that it is necessary for the election. Apparently, the republic is preparing for another spectacular fraud, when the voter turnout will approach almost 100 percent," said Magomedaliev.

Students of one of the universities of the capital of Dagestan also said on the conditions of anonymity that they were also under pressure. "The dean's office said that everyone should go to the election. A calendar that a voter receives at the polling station will be a proof of a student's voting. Calendars should be then given to teachers," young people said.

In his turn, Igor Oleinik, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Education and Sciences of Dagestan, said that the Ministry acts within the law. "We're really gathering people and ask them to demonstrate their civil position, come and vote for whoever they want, while the rumours about some spreadsheets have nothing to do with reality," said Oleinik.