Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
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In 2026, the International Institute for Monitoring Democracy Development of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly (IIMDD IPA CIS) celebrated its 20th anniversary. The IMDD was established to exchange information, summarize best practices in the development of democracy and parliamentarism, and respect for citizens' electoral rights. It has four branches (Baku, Bishkek, Yerevan, and Chisinau).
Andrey Rudskoy, Rector of the Polytechnic University, congratulated Dmitry Kobitsky, Secretary-General and Head of the Secretariat of the Council of the Interparliamentary Assembly of the Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States, on the institute's anniversary. Andrey Ivanovich noted that the IIMRD's current activities represent a significant contribution to the development of parliamentary traditions and the strengthening of the rule of law in the Commonwealth states. In the year of its 20th anniversary, the institute is rightfully the pride of the Interparliamentary Assembly and a symbol of its commitment to deepening integration and mutual trust. The Rector of SPbPU emphasized that, as Chairman of the Expert Council on Science and Education at the IPA CIS, he sees how, thanks to the institute's immediate director, Professor Ivan Mushket, the IIMRD has not only strengthened its position but also significantly expanded its horizons. The director of the institute has managed to unite a highly professional community around him, whose daily work serves to improve legislation, implement democratic standards, and foster a legal culture among citizens.
In honor of the IIMRD's anniversary, the International Scientific and Practical Conference "Forming Trust in the Institution of Elections and Referendums: The Role of International Observation" was held at the Tauride Palace.
The event brought together parliamentarians, leaders and representatives of international organizations, government bodies and election administration agencies, public organizations, as well as scholars and experts from both CIS member states and other regions of the world.
Valentina Matvienko, Chairperson of the IPA CIS Council and Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, sent a greeting to the participants.
Welcoming remarks were also delivered by the Chairman of the CIS Economic Court, German Nurbaev; the Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Nurlan Yermekbaev; the Executive Secretary of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly and Head of the CSTO PA Secretariat, Sergei Pospelov; the Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Belarus, Sergei Sivets; and the Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, Valery Zorkin.
CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev noted the IPA CIS's effective participation in monitoring elections and referendums, which enables analysis and objective assessment of the development of the electoral sphere in the Commonwealth.
The event was moderated by Ivan Mushket.
One of the key events was Dmitry Kobitsky's presentation on "International Election and Referendum Observation in a Multipolar World: Objectivity and Trust." International observation should not be an instrument of surveillance or pressure, but a platform for equal professional dialogue, based on voluntariness, reciprocity, and respect for sovereignty. These principles are enshrined in key CIS documents: the 2002 Convention and the 2008 IPA CIS Declaration, which set standards for impartial and constructive monitoring. Over 32 years, the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly has participated in the observation of 167 election campaigns, and the International Institute for Monitoring Democracy Development, established in 2006, provides methodological, analytical, and scientific support for these missions. This accumulated experience allows us not only to improve observation within the Commonwealth but also to participate in monitoring beyond its borders.
Representatives of the Polytechnic University are traditionally included among the expert observers from the CIS IPA.
A roundtable discussion entitled "Artificial Intelligence and Its Application in the Electoral Process: A Comprehensive Approach and Legislative Regulation" was held at the International Scientific and Practical Conference, chaired by Dmitry Mokhorov, Director of the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science at SPbPU. The discussion attracted the attention of specialists in electoral law and the electoral process in the Commonwealth of Independent States. The panel featured over 20 presentations on current issues related to the use of artificial intelligence in the electoral process and its legal regulation. Participants placed particular emphasis on countering election influence in all its forms, including through the use of modern technologies and artificial intelligence.
Faculty and students from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University took part in the conference.
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