Elections in the Former Glorious Soviet Union An investigation into electoral impropriety and fraud (Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Putin)
Electoral History There have been six presidential elections in the Russian Federation. During these elections, three presidents have been elected: Yeltsin (1991-1999) Putin (2000-2008, 2012-) Medvedev (2008-2012) Despite abdicating as president in 2008, Putin maintained his power behind the scenes as PM.
Party Summary There are four parties currently represented in the state Duma: United Russia (238 seats) - Centrist, Putin s party KPRF (92 seats) - Leninist Communism A Just Russia (64 seats) - Democratic Socialism LPDR (56 seats) - Nationalism, Pan-Slavism* There are also a number of smaller parties present in regional parliaments and governments, as well as many local parties unregistered with the federal government.
How Elections Work Three types of national votes: 1. Referendum 2. Duma Elections 3. Presidential Elections
Referendum Constitution of 1993 allows for referendum. This is popular vote on important issues. Ex. Referendum in Chechnya in 2003 to approve a constitution for the area. Chechnya declared an inseparable part of Russia.
Duma Elections 5 elections for Duma thus far. All use proportional representation. Parties must get at least 7% to be represented.
Presidential Elections Two round system similar to Duma. In 2000 Putin received more than 50% of the vote, so there was no runoff election. Honesty/legitimacy of elections is questioned.
How elections have changed - Duma - Until 2007, half of the seats in Duma used PR, other half used first past the post - In 2007 all seats were given through party-list proportional representation - In 2007 against all option was eliminated, where voters can reject all candidates. - PR threshold was raised from 5% to 7% to get representation. Only four parties passed the threshold - Putin argued for these changes to decrease number of parties and increase efficiency.
How elections have changed- Presidential - A 2001 law restricted the right of small and regional parties to run presidential candidates. - In 2007 Putin received 71% of the vote.
Elections Begin - 1991 - The position of president of the brand new Russian Federation was created by referendum and it was decided that the winner was to be chosen by popular vote. - 6 candidates ran in the first election, with the two major players being former premier Nikolai Ryzhkov and anti-communist Boris Yeltsin.
Turn of the century change - On December 31st, 1999, Yeltsin resigned and appointed Vladimir Putin his successor. - Putin was officially elected in March of 2000, beating Gennadi A. Zyuganov and Grigory V. Yavlinsky - His majority was narrower than expected
We have gained a clean victory! - Putin is re-elected in 2004 and Dmitri Medvedev - his hand picked successor became Prime Minister. - How clean was it really?
According to Freedom House... - the 2007 elections were not free or fair: - the opposition was repressed in the media - freedom of assembly was hindered - State funds were used to promote United Russia. - Internationally, there is a lack of observers of elections
No more Putin...
The 2008 Presidential Elections Dmitri Medvedev United Russia (right) Vladimir Zhirinovsky Liberal Democratic Party (ULTRA right) Gennady Zyuganov Communist Party (ULTRA left)
The 2008 Presidential Elections Dmitri Medvedev United Russia (right) Vladimir Zhirinovsky Liberal Democratic Party (ULTRA right) Gennady Zyuganov Communist Party 71.2% 9.5% 18.0% (ULTRA left)
After Just One Day in office... Putin is immediately appointed PM and the Duma voted in favor 392-56. Immediately it was clear the PM s relationship with the Pres. had changed as Putin gave Medvedev the list for the new cabinet. After this it seemed as if Putin was involved less and less in Medvedev s presidency but two events changed that: the 08 financial crisis and Ossetia war. Putin gave Medvedev guidance on most policies and Pres. and PM nearly always agreed. Many dubbed this relationship a Tandem Rule.
Then in United Russia s congress in 2011, Medvedev officially nominated Putin as his successor.
The 2012 Presidential Elections Vladimir Putin United Russia Mikhail Prokhorov Independant Gennady Zyuganov Communist Party (right) (right) (ULTRA left)
The 2012 Presidential Elections Vladimir Putin United Russia Mikhail Prokhorov Independant Gennady Zyuganov Communist Party (right) (right) (ULTRA left) 63.6% 8.0% 17.2%
HE S BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Protests in Moscow After the 2012 Elections
Putin s Current Reign (2012-present) Though there was increased transparency, many organizations said voting procedures had irregularities. Putin was also accused of having more media coverage. During and after the elections, 8,000-20,000 protestors marched in Moscow to express dissent against Putin. Putin sought out to increase control of oligarchs and further centralize power to Moscow. He is also under scrutiny for taking control of the Media ex: banning symbols of the gay community. In 2014, Putin successfully annexed Crimea and secured Russian presence in the region. Putin shows signs of re-election in 2018. These actions (especially Crimea) have increased his approval ratings.
The Future of Russian Democracy Crippled by Putin s authoritarian tendencies and recent nationalist surges, the future of Russia s fledgling democracy appears increasingly dubious. Elections are widely perceived to be corrupt, both by national and international organizations. Power has also been largely consolidated within the president, as well as a close circle of Putin s affiliates. Recent votes in the Duma have become largely symbolic in support of Putin, weakening the legislature.
The Future of Russian Democracy, cont. Democracy in Russia has also been hurt by censorship, politically motivated arrests, and even murders. In early 2012, members of the Pussy Riot punk rock band were arrested after denouncing Putin during a performance in a church. Activists like Asker Sokht and Mikhail Savva have been intimidated and arrested on trumped up or fabricated charges. In 2006, ex-fsb agent and political dissenter Alexander Litvinenko died of Po-210 poisoning after meeting with two ex-kgb agents.
Summary As time has progressed, the Russian electoral system has become increasingly illegitimate and un-representative of the Russian population. Although there has been some civil unrest due to this, it has been limited by censorship, a lack of institutionalized democratic principles, and a new wave of nationalism. Future elections are unlikely to be fair or shift power away from United Russia, and Putin is likely to run again in the next presidential election.
BIBLIOGRAPHY HERE INFORMATION REDACTED BY KGB THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION, COMRADE 1962-2006 Never Forget
Putin on the Ritz. Dem Eyes
But really...bibliography links http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/vladimir-kara-murza/russia%e2%80%99s-first-presidentialelection-twenty-years http://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/27/world/election-russia-overview-putin-wins-russia-vote-first-roundbut-his-majority.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltzqbzx0jse http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/05/world/europe/russia-votes-in-presidential-election.html? pagewanted=all&_r=0 http://www.freedomhouse.org/article/russian-elections-lack-legitimacy-meaningful-politicalcompetition-absent#.u0h8dfk