Russia’s Parliamentary Elections

Today, Russian voters began heading to the polls to have their say on the form and face of Russia’s parliament. At stake? The presence and power of President Vladimir Putin’s party in Russian politics, as well as the legacy of Putin himself. The “United Russia” party has stepped up its criticism of Western policies (e.g., U.S. foreign policy) and its stifling of political opponents, such as the Communist Party and the Liberal Democratic Party, in an effort to win up to 80% of the parliamentary seats.

Putin is constitutionally prevented from running for another presidential term, so the results of today’s election will largely determine whether or not he will hold sway over public policy after his final term ends next spring. Early rumors say that Putin is desirous of retaining a firm place in national leadership, eyeing the office of Prime Minister. However, the likelihood of such extended political ascendancy seems to be conditioned by the will of the people, which will be manifest in the direction in which voters choose to push the Parliament. Even some United Russia campaign banners have read “Russia is voting for Putin” despite the fact that these are parliamentary rather than presidential elections.

For more on today’s election in Russia, including the recent and controversial changes to its election policies, see the following:

MSNBC: Russian Elections Evoke Mixed Reactions
CNN: Putin’s Party Awaits Landslide
Radio Free Europe: Five Myths About Russia’s Elections
Deutsche Welle: Putin’s Power Games: Three Russian Elections Scenarios
BBC: Russians Vote in General Election