Russians and Belarusians Can Vote in Each Other’s Local Elections

Deputies of the State Duma, at a plenary session, have ratified the protocol on making amendments to the treaty of December 25, 1998, between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on the equal rights of citizens. The document was submitted to the State Duma by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.

According to the document, citizens of the RF who permanently reside in the territory of the Republic of Belarus will receive the right to vote and be elected in the local self-government bodies of Belarus.

Citizens of Belarus permanently residing in Russia will also receive a similar right. The protocol was signed by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko on March 13, 2025, in Moscow.