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The Khabarovsk Department of Migration recently issued a decree prohibiting the region’s residents from leaving the territory from November 29 through December 1, the three days preceding the upcoming elections to the State Duma. Khabarovsk’s Prosecutors Office has filed a protest against the order on the grounds that it is unconstitutional.

The Department of Migration directed its officials on November 8 that they should not accept applications from residents wishing to cancel their residence registration and leave the Khabarovsk territory during those three days.

The Khabarovsk prosecutor’s office on Wednesday filed an appeal against the instruction, which contradicts the rights of Russia’s citizens to freedom of movement and to choose their place of residence within the country, which are provided in the Constitution.

The protest states that the unlawful order is to be abolished and the Department for Migration is to be informed of the decision, a statement from Khabarovsk prosecutors reported.

On December 2, residents of Russia will participate in the state elections to elect parties to the Federal Duma, with 11 parties and blocs running for legislative seats. The turnout is forecast at 60-74 percent.