Elections!

The State Duma - what they're all fighting for power over

Elections are tomorrow in Russia for the Lower House, the Duma. Democracy in action! Putin's party, United Russia are hotly tipped to win these elections - well hotly tipped by state run media outlets. Independent media outlets have other ideas. What will happen I wonder? I've been advised not to venture out because of potential violence, protests & also an increased police presence - and police who are all geared up to beat someone up.

There's been plenty of propaganda all over the city. Posters have been up for over a month now reminding people of the reasons why they should vote. About 3 weeks ago they were all pasted over with logos of United Russia, just to encourage people to vote for the "right party".

My Russian friends are excited that they get to vote and are looking forward to it, although they all freely admit that they know who will win and admit there's no point in voting, but they enjoy the participation nevertheless. I think one of the great things about the Russian system is that they have elections on a Sunday so no-one has work. This means that electoral participation can be higher. Something England should definitely look at! The propaganda we can leave out, I don't think the British public would stand for an hour speech on BBC 1 by Cameron, like Medvedev did the other day.