Elections

Oct. 14 was “election day” in Russia. Elections at various levels were held in 77 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, of which six elected regional parliaments and five regions chose their governor for the first time in eight years. In total, more than 4,000 local elections and referenda took place.

The main novelties were the opportunity for reformed political parties to take part, as a result of the newly liberalized political law and the reduction in the minimum number of party members required for registration. In addition, the ruling United Russia party had a chance to test its innovations at the regional level, engaging with opposition candidates and garnering their support, thereby ensuring victory for their own protégés.