Around 200,000 web cameras will be installed at polling places across Russia ahead of the March 2012 presidential elections, a government official told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
Deputy Communications Minister Ilya Massukh said around 60% of polling stations would be equipped with web cameras before the elections, at which Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is to seek a third presidential term of office.
Live video streams from polling stations meant “people may experience slow internet connections” on election day, Massukh added.
Putin ordered the installation of the web cameras in response to allegations of mass electoral fraud in favor of his United Russia party at the December 4 parliamentary elections.
Webcams will not be installed at polling places in jails, closed towns, military units and hospitals.
The cost of setting up the web cameras has been estimated at 15 billion rubles ($473 million).
