Russia's Election Chief Challenges Zaporizhzhia Governor Over Election Official's Dismissal

Central Election Commission Accuses Zaporizhzhia Governor of Overreach

Russia's Central Election Commission (CEC) has publicly accused Yevgeny Balitsky, the Moscow-appointed head of Ukraine's partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region, of exceeding his authority. The accusation stems from Balitsky's decision to dismiss Galina Katyushchenko, the chair of the local election commission, a move the CEC deems 'illegal' and 'legally void'.

Dismissal Sparks Legal Dispute

Governor Balitsky announced the dismissal of Katyushchenko via Telegram, citing a 'loss of trust' following a report by his anti-corruption committee. He asserted that his decision was in compliance with Russian law, stating, 'No official, regardless of rank, is above the law'.

However, Ella Pamfilova, the chair of Russia's CEC, strongly contested this action. She argued that the corruption allegations against Katyushchenko were based on 'minor technical errors' in financial disclosures, which she stated were insufficient grounds for dismissal. Pamfilova emphasized that an election official can only be removed at the request of the CEC, accusing Balitsky of 'secretly preparing' the decree without prior notification to the commission. She characterized the governor's action as a 'managerial blunder' that suggested 'blatant arbitrariness' or 'deep legal ignorance'.

CEC Seeks Overturn of Decree

In response to Balitsky's decree, Ella Pamfilova announced that the CEC would formally request the Russian Prosecutor General's Office to overturn the decision. She described the decree as 'administratively and legally void'. This latest clash highlights ongoing tensions between the CEC and Balitsky regarding the administration of electoral processes in the annexed territories. Previous disputes have included accusations from the CEC that Balitsky withheld salaries from local election officials and attempted to evict the regional commission from its office.

Context of Electoral Control in Occupied Territories

The dispute underscores a broader struggle for control over Russia's electoral machinery in the newly annexed Ukrainian regions. Russia held elections in these territories, including Zaporizhzhia, in September 2023, which were widely condemned by Kyiv and Western nations as illegal and a 'sham'. These elections were seen as an attempt by Moscow to legitimize its rule over the occupied areas. The current confrontation between the federal election body and a regional Moscow-appointed leader further illustrates the complexities and internal challenges of establishing Russian administrative control in these territories.