The Consequences of the State Duma Elections for Russia's Electoral System

Author(s): Nikolai Petrov
Editor(s): Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 32
Pages: 5-8
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2007

Russia's new electoral system gives the Kremlin much greater control over the electoral process than it had in the past. In reforming the system after the 2003 elections, the authorities often did the opposite of what was recommended by OSCE representatives. The provisions of the new legislation significantly reduced the number of parties and their ties with specific Russian regions. The official results from the December 2 elections are likely greatly inflated, with turnout figures probably 10 percent less than claimed. Overall, United Russia's victory extended through out the country, with few inter- or intra-regional differences.

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