Orders "from above" were given to pay 50,000 Moscow utility sector workers 9,300 rubles ($318) apiece to vote multiple times for Vladimir Putin, Sky News reported Friday.
A source the channel referred to as "Vadim" said the workers will be instructed to each register at five different voting stations using absentee ballots. The result would be 250,000 votes in Putin's favor.
A source the channel referred to as "Vadim" said the workers will be instructed to each register at five different voting stations using absentee ballots. The result would be 250,000 votes in Putin's favor.
Similar schemes were noted by observers in December's controversial State Duma elections, the results of which the opposition says were falsified by ruling party United Russia. One widely reported tactic was so-called "carousel" voters, who were bussed around to multiple polling places, where their names were already on voter lists, to stuff ballot boxes.
The Sky News source said the authorities are more wary of that practice this time around due to the increased number of observers expected to be present at voting stations on Sunday.
