Russia: Elections according to Putin’s plan

In response to yesterday’s regional elections in Russia, Werner Schulz, Vice-Chair of the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (PCC), makes the following statement: The first elections after Putin’s return as president have once again demonstrated the unscrupulousness with which the Russian government is adhering to managed democracy and overt electoral fraud despite the protests of this past winter. Pre-stuffed ballot boxes, carousel voting, falsified documents and the use of violence against election observers reveal that the entire election-falsification kit is in use. As was the case for the Duma elections in December 2011, candidates loyal to the government were assured of an uncontested victory.

The opposition’s hopes for a democratic renewal of Russia from below via the communal governments were crushed ruthlessly. The ostensible liberalization and concessions, such as the simplification of party registration and the reintroduction of gubernatorial elections, served only to expand the portfolio of sham democracy and abuse.
Some independent candidates were subjected to intense pressure to join the governing party or withdraw their candidacy; others were specifically cultivated as sham candidates to draw votes away from strong opposition candidates.

The low election turnout is a not a sign stability but, on the contrary, a dangerous symptom of resignation in society and of the declining confidence in political institutions. The situation is aggravated by the fact that these were probably the last elections at which domestic election observers like Golos could keep an eye on the activities of officials unquestioned, before the new NGO law comes into effect at the end of November.

In view of this sham democracy and increasingly dictatorial trend, the EU should take a close look at the “strategic partnership” it aspires to and finally address the shortcomings openly.