Dissatisfied Russian electorate now have a new outlet to express their concerns over the fairness of the 2024 presidential election. They can participate in a secure, blockchain-based referendum through the Russia2024 app.
The presidential election this March witnessed massive participation from Russians worldwide, visibly at embassies like the one in The Hague, Netherlands, where voters, including protesters, queued for hours to vote.
However, the re-election of Vladimir Putin with 88% votes was anticipated by many, attributed not directly to vote manipulation but to years of propaganda, voter surveillance, and suppression of competing candidates.
An alternate platform for these concerned voters has been offered by the Russia2024 app, showcasing a potential non-cryptocurrency utilization of blockchain technology.
Mark Fegyin, a former Pussy Riot lawyer and Russian opposition figure, launched this blockchain referendum, now accessible via the recently debuted Russia2024 app. Developed in collaboration with RariLabs, a privacy tech firm based in Kyiv, Ukraine, the app is underpinned by the surveillance-resistant Freedom Tool.
An avenue resistant to surveillance
In Russia, political dissent is met with severe consequences, including jail or worse, leading many to remain silent despite their opposition to government policies or the political situation.
Surveillance concerns also significantly skew voting and polling results. Mark Feygin emphasizes the importance of secure, private channels like Russia2024 for expressing dissent.
The Freedom Tool employs blockchain and zero-knowledge cryptography to protect users’ identities while verifying their voting eligibility. It’s open source and free for anyone to download.
Using the app, participants confirm their identity and voting eligibility through biometric passport scans. Votes are then anonymously and securely recorded on the blockchain.
Zero-knowledge proofs allow for the verification of information possession without revealing the information itself.
The initial spark
Mark Feygin, once a lawyer for Pussy Riot, recalls the group’s 2012 protest, which resulted in prison sentences but also highlighted burgeoning public dissent. Despite harsh winter conditions, over 100,000 protested in Moscow against what they saw as an unfair election favoring Putin.
This mix of indignation and hope was memorable, yet the anticipated change has remained elusive.
Gradually suppressing dissent
The Russian government’s tactics have effectively stifled opposition, leveraging fear to maintain control. Propaganda plays a significant role in shaping public perception and maintaining political dominance.
Countermeasures by the Kremlin
The Russia2024 app has faced challenges, including temporary removals from digital stores and orchestrated attacks on its reputation. However, it represents a crucial safe space for Russians to express themselves without the fear of repercussions.
