Perceptions of democracy and democratic institution-building – electoral democracy the Russian way_25_02_24_01_35_14

Perceptions of Electoral Democracy in Russia

The Concept of Electoral Democracy

• Electoral democracy emerged prominently after the Soviet Union's collapse during the Third wave of democratic development.

• Initial democratic frameworks included constitutions resembling Western democracies introduced by Russia's ruling elite, particularly under President Yeltsin.

• The OSCE's role was fundamental in shaping democratic standards for post-Soviet states.

Contrasting Developments in the CIS Region

• Positive instances of democratization (color revolutions) occurred in Georgia, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan, highlighting issues of electoral fraud.

• These revolutions sparked a backlash from authoritarian regimes in CIS states, reinforcing control over political processes.

• Russia's leadership, especially post-Orange Revolution, began rejecting Western democratic norms, highlighting a distinct political culture.

Centralization of Power in Russia

• Putin's presidency signified a shift from Yeltsin’s decentralization to strengthened central authority.

• Control over regional leaders was solidified, and electoral rules changed, leading to a near one-party state by the end of Putin's first term.

• Independent media faced significant restrictions and interventions from the Kremlin.

Electoral Democracy vs. Substantial Democratic Norms

Definition and Challenges

• Electoral democracy is defined as governance derived from the people's will through elections.

• However, superficial elections can mask a lack of genuine political competition and institutional accountability in transitional democracies.

• Analysts question the depth of electoral democracy in Russia compared to Western liberal democratic standards.

Political Systems and Power Division

• Russia's political system exhibits a different paradigm: presidential systems dominate CIS countries, whereas parliamentary systems are prevalent in Western Europe.

• The concept of separation of powers has poorly developed in Russia, leading to constitutional crises and disputes over authority between branches of government.

The Role of the OSCE and Democratic Norms

International Standards

• The OSCE promotes a commitment to rule-of-law and pluralistic democracy through its member states, focusing on enhancing participatory democracy and democratic institutions.

• Election observation efforts by organizations like ODIHR set standard criteria for evaluating electoral processes.

Criteria for Judging Electoral Democracy

• Legal frameworks for elections, including media laws and candidate registration procedures, are crucial in assessing democratic practices.

• Voter registration should be accurate, transparent, and inclusive to ensure fair representation.

Electoral Procedures and Changes Over Time

Voting Participation Trends

• Russia's voter participation fluctuates, reflecting historical practices influenced by Soviet-era expectations of high voter turnout.

• Recent elections reveal stable participation rates (62-70%), but concerns linger regarding the authenticity of popular engagement.

Shifts in Electoral Rules

• Changes in election laws have often favored the ruling party and minimized opposition participation.

• The threshold for representation in the Duma was raised, along with burdens on registering political parties, further constraining democratic representation.

The Role of Media in Elections

Control and Partisanship

• State-controlled media dominates the Russian electoral landscape, favoring pro-Kremlin narratives and suppressing dissenting voices.

• The media's role extends beyond coverage; it significantly shapes public perception and political legitimacy.

Regulatory Frameworks

• Election laws stipulate media access and equity, yet actual practices diverge, leading to disproportional coverage favoring incumbents.

Electoral Outcomes and Authoritarianism

Presidential Elections

• Comparative analysis of presidential elections since the 1990s indicates a pattern of limited genuine electoral competition.

• Notably, each election cycle has increasingly mirrored authoritarian tendencies rather than democratic evolution.

Conclusion: The State of Electoral Democracy in Russia

• Current political practices in Russia suggest a managed form of democracy lacking true pluralism and accountability.

• The concept of 'sovereign democracy' serves to justify deviations from Western democratic norms, presenting a unique Russian interpretation of governance.

• Analysts express concern over the consolidation of power and the marginalization of political freedoms, urging scrutiny of Russia's classification as an electoral democracy.