The Upcoming 2007 Duma Elections and Russia's Party System

Author(s): Henry Hale
Editor(s): Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 31
Pages: 2-4
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2007

President Vladimir Putin's October 1 announcement that he will lead the United Russia party list in the 2007 Duma election marks a watershed in Russian party politics since it is the first time a sitting president has agreed to any sort of party affiliation. At the same time, Putin continues to insist on his non-party status, refusing to become a formal member. These actions reflect a leadership ambivalence toward parties that is typical of systems with strong executive authority. More significant for Russia's party system, though, will be what Putin does next.

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