We, municipal and regional deputies of Russia, many of whom were forced to emigrate from Russia due to the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine and repressions related to the protest against the actions of the Russian government, held a constituent assembly on October 12-13, 2023, as a result of which a new organization of “Deputies of Peaceful Russia,” was created.
Among us are both current deputies and those deprived of their parliamentary powers. But most of us were unable to use our passive electoral right again because of the war. Nevertheless, having once gone through the election procedure, we remain legitimate representatives of citizens in order to protect their interests, to organize and consistently oppose the war with Ukraine and the totalitarian regime that has developed in Russia.
Thanks to the election of a large number of independent deputies to municipalities in Russia in the second half of the 2010s, we have repeatedly found ourselves at the center of “big politics,” collectively speaking out on the most pressing issues, defending the rights and interests of citizens at the local level.
Our political experience, understanding of our regions and continued legitimacy represent a unique combination on the basis of which we can create a workable structure for effectively addressing issues concerning Russia and Russians. It is collective action that seems to us to be the most correct political response in the current crisis.
We are aware of our calling:
— to become the voice of Russian civil society, capable of informing the world about the processes actually taking place both in local communities and throughout Russia;
— to continue working and participating in the socio-political life of Russia;
— to represent and protect the rights and interests of Russian citizens, including abroad;
— to interact with existing parliamentary organizations located in Russia;
— to participate in building a dialogue with the international community.
By combining our knowledge of local communities, contacts with voters and supporting democratic initiatives, we intend to contribute to the development of civil society in Russia. By promoting the values of local self-government, we are laying the foundation for the future democratic structure of our country.
We see a demand for the creation of such an organization and invite all independent deputies to participate in our common cause.
Our organization currently has more than 70 deputies of different convocations, elected since January 1, 2012 – the date when our country finally turned to dictatorship, the time when election fraud, for the sake of Putin’s usurpation of power, became total, the period when civil society fully demonstrated its civic position, having come out in broad protest against large-scale electoral fraud and Putin’s third term. And this protest resulted not only in rallies and marches, but also the nomination and election of a large number of opposition-minded citizens to municipal councils and regional parliaments.
We also invite Russians who have never been deputies, but who share our values, enshrined in the Manifesto, to join our organization as associate members with the right to an advisory vote.
We are convinced that our union will become a significant socio-political force and will contribute to a peaceful democratic Russia of the future; a Russia that is friendly and safe for its citizens, neighbors and the entire world.