Do elections in Russia make a difference? | Inside Story

Elections Amidst War [00:00:00]

• Russia is holding its first parliamentary elections since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began over four and a half years ago.
• Millions are eligible to vote for the 450 members of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament.
• The war in Ukraine is overshadowing the election process, with increased cost of living and drone attacks on infrastructure.

  "It's the first vote since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began more than four and a half years ago."

Preordained Outcome [00:01:10]

• Critics and analysts suggest the election outcome is a foregone conclusion, engineered by the Kremlin.
• The governing United Russia Party, backed by President Vladimir Putin, is expected to retain its overall majority.
• Voters express disillusionment, with some planning to spoil their ballots due to a lack of real choice.

  "But not everyone agrees. I will definitely take part in the elections, just to spoil the ballot, because there is no one to vote for."

Limited Political Choice [00:02:05]

• Nine other parties, including communists and liberal democrats, are contesting the vote, all of whom support the war in Ukraine.
• Yabloka, the only registered party opposing the war, was removed from the ballot by the Supreme Court, which the party claims was for political reasons.
• Despite the removal of parties, individuals can still run in single-seat constituencies.

  "Yabloka was the only registered party opposing the war. The Supreme Court removed it from the ballot last month, which the party said was for political reasons."

Putin's Call to Vote [00:02:50]

• President Vladimir Putin urged voters to cast their ballots as a show of support for the military and Russia's victory.
• He stated that voting demonstrates that Russian soldiers are backed by millions of people and a united nation.
• Voting is spread over three days to encourage higher turnout, though some question the authenticity of polling station numbers.

  "Taking part in the elections is our collective contribution to Russia's victory."

Unfree and Unfair Elections [00:04:00]

• Analysts describe these elections as potentially the most unfree and unfair since Russia's independence in 1991.
• The Kremlin possesses multiple instruments to control the vote, including the removal of opposition remnants and coercion tactics.
• There is a lack of genuine competition, with parties offering different "flavors of Putinism" rather than distinct political platforms.

  "Yeah, it's probably going to be the most unfree and unfair elections since Russia gained independence in 1991."

War as a Referendum [00:06:30]

• Some view the election as a referendum on Putin's handling of the war in Ukraine.
• The goal is to demonstrate popular agreement with the president's course and policies.
• The election results are intended to legitimize Putin's actions in Ukraine for another five years.

  "So the goal is to show that the Russian populace agrees with the president and his course in Ukraine and larger with regards to Russian politics."

The State Duma's Role [00:12:00]

• The State Duma's role has diminished significantly since the 1990s, when it acted as a check on presidential power.
• Currently, the Duma primarily functions to pass laws aligned with the executive agenda, with limited discussion or debate.
• It is described as an "adjustment to the executive under presidential administration" rather than an independent branch of power.

  "As of now, Duma is not really a branch of power. It's just an adjustment to the executive under presidential administration."

Economic Hardship and Emigration [00:16:45]

• The war is causing economic hardship in Russia, including fuel shortages and a cost-of-living crisis.
• Ukrainian drone strikes are targeting oil refineries and warehouses far from the front lines.
• Analysts note that the standard of living has not returned to 2013 levels, and many academics and young people have left Russia.

  "The real tragedy of this, of course, however, is for the Russian people who have never gone back to the standard of living on a PPP basis that they had in 2013 before Putin began his wars in Ukraine."