Presidential elections, which will be held in Russia in 2018, should consolidate the country's society, not cause tension, the Speaker of Russia’s Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko said.
"It is essential that the forthcoming elections do not cause a surge of tension in the society, but, on the contrary, contribute to its further consolidation," RIA Novosti cited her as saying.
"It is vitally important for the country in the situation that has developed on the international arena," the Federation Council speaker noted.
