Ilsur Metshin: “Presidential elections are the most important event that determines the future of the country”

(KZN.RU, March 12, Ksenia Shvetsova). An important event awaits Kazan citizens in the coming weekend. Elections of the President of the Russian Federation will be held on March 18. The capital of Tatarstan is at the finish line in preparation for the vote. Evgeny Varakin, the head of the Office of the Executive Committee, said today at the Business Monday that 450 polling stations have already been established in the city, including 34 in places of a temporary stay of voters. Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, urged the citizens to take part in the elections. He noted that not just a major political event but also a real holiday await the residents on this day.

“Presidential elections are the most important event that determines the future of the country. Our principled position is unchanged. Elections should be honest, open, and clean, we must not allow any offense. Legitimacy is a matter of first importance. We expect a large number of observers, representatives of parties, staffs of various candidates”, said Ilsur Metshin. He also urged the heads of districts and heads of structural units to take a responsible approach to preparations for the voting day and noted that any election campaign is a test of the viability of the authorities.

“We need to ensure the will of the citizens, all employees of our enterprises, so that every citizen of Kazan can come and make a choice on this day”, concluded I. Metshin.

As of January 1, 2018, the number of voters in Kazan is 906 thousand 586 people. Currently, preparations are continuing and work on the installation of metal detectors is finishing. In addition, issues on the availability of sites are being. According to Evgeny Varakin, free buses for travel to polling stations will be organized on election day for the convenience of voters in remote residential areas. This year, it was decided to increase the number of buses by 2 times up to 56 ones.

By the tradition dating back to the Soviet era, retail outlets and buffets will be organized near the polling stations on election day. “Customers will be offered a wide range of food products and household chemicals. Prices will pleasantly surprise customers on this day”, said Evgeny Varakin.

Also on March 18, the campaign “Aidanavybory” will be held in 242 building, where polling stations are being organized. Specialized locations with posters will be installed, where everyone will be able to take a picture, post them on social networks with a hashtag # айданавыборы indicating the city and the polling station. Winners will be determined on the basis of popular vote on the website of the action from March 20 to March 25, and will receive such as prizes iPhones, hoverboards, bicycles, etc.

In addition, citizens can become participants in family holidays, which will take place on the territory of all schools. Voters could attend sports events, concerts, master classes, and other interesting events. All the voters will be given bracelets “I voted”, which provides free travel on public transport on March 18.

A concert with the participation of stars will take place at the stadium “Kazan Arena” in the evening. The best rock bands of the republic will perform for the audience, and the headliners of the event will be Alvin Gray, Egor Crid, Salavat, and Valery Meladze. Entertaining zones, mobile canteens, and fireworks will be organized at the stadium.