MOSCOW, December 5 (RAPSI) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill allowing public members to act as observers in the presidential election into law. The document has been published on the official website of legal information.

The legislation is to take effect from the day of its official publication.

The initiative was passed by the State Duma on November 24. The Federation Council approved the document on November 29.

The legislation is directed to enhance voting publicity and openness, the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights told RAPSI earlier. About 100 organizations had already expressed their readiness to cooperate with public control institutions. Observers’ training will be conducted in partnership with the Central Electoral Commission, the advisory body said.

The law on poll watchers is aimed to confer the right of Russia’s Public Chamber and regional public chambers to designate observers in election commissions.

Moreover, video monitoring and transmission would be allowed in voting premises during determination of vote returns.

Amendments have been proposed to the federal law on electing the President of the Russian Federation.