Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: The boundaries of the single-mandate electoral districts are determined based on the number of voters registered on the territory of the Russian Federation, as of the date closest to the day of the adoption of the CEC decision for the consideration of the State Duma, of the scheme of single-mandate electoral districts (January 1 or July 1).
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation,
amended as of April, 5, 2016, art. 12:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/18
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population b . Respecting natural barriers c . Compactness of constituencies d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries e . Geographic size of district
Comments: 7. The single-mandate electoral districts shall be formed in accordance with the following requirements:
1) approximate equality of single-mandate electoral districts according to the number of voters registered in their territory with a permissible deviation from the average voter representation rate within a single subject of the Russian Federation for not more than 10 per cent; in difficult or remote areas - no more than 15 per cent. The average rate of voter representation is determined by dividing the total number of voters registered on the territory of the Russian Federation, the number of single-mandate electoral districts allocated to this subject of the Russian Federation. The list of difficult and remote areas is established by the law of the Russian Federation in force at the date of adoption of the CEC decision to submit for the consideration of State Duma of the scheme of single-mandate electoral districts;
2) formation of single-mandate electoral districts from territories not adjacent to each other, except in territories not adjacent to other territories in the subject of the Russian Federation is not allowed;
3) the formation of a single-mandate electoral district in the territories of two or more subjects of the Russian Federation is not allowed;
4) at least one single-mandate electoral district must be formed at the territory of each subject of the Russian Federation;
5) distribution of single-mandate electoral districts among the subjects of the Russian Federation shall ensure the maximum of the equality of representation of voters from each subject of the Russian Federation in the State Duma according to the requirements provided for in paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Part;
6) the name of the corresponding subject of the Russian Federation should be included in the name of the single-mandate electoral districts;
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation,
amended as of April, 5, 2016, art. 12, par. 7:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/18
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: 10. The CEC develops a new scheme of single-mandate electoral districts and their graphic representation and presents it in the prescribed manner to the State Duma no later than 80 days prior to the expiration of the term for which the previous scheme of single-mandate electoral districts was approved. The scheme of single-mandate electoral districts shall contain:
1) the name of each single-mandate electoral district and its number;
2) a list of municipalities or localities in each single-mandate electoral district. If the single-mandate electoral district includes part of the territory of the municipality or town, the list should describe border of this part of the territory of the municipality or town. If the single-mandate electoral district includes the entire territory of a subject of the Russian Federation, the list of municipalities and localities of inside it shall not be included;
3) the number of voters registered in each single-mandate electoral district;
4) the number of voters assigned in accordance with Part 9 of this Article to single-mandate electoral districts, with an indication of foreign countries where the voters reside.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April, 5, 2016, art. 12:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/18
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President of the Russian Federation shall be elected for six years by citizens of the Russian Federation on the basis of universal, equal, direct suffrage by secret ballot.
Source: The Constitution of the Russian Federation, art. 81: http://archive.government.ru/eng/gov/base/54.html
Verified: 2024/03/18
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation shall be appointed by the President of the Russian Federation with the consent of the State Duma.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Russian Federation, art. 83: http://archive.government.ru/eng/gov/base/54.html
Verified: 2024/03/22
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President of the Russian Federation shall be the head of the State.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Russian Federation, art. 80: http://www.constitution.ru/en/10003000-01.htm
Verified: 2024/03/22
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Federal Assembly consists of two chambers - the Council of the Federation and the State Duma.
Source: The Constitution of the Russian Federation, art. 95: http://www.constitution.ru/en/10003000-01.htm
Verified: 2024/03/22
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
e . Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies)
Comments: 1. In accordance with the Constitution, 450 deputies shall be elected to the State Duma.
2. 225 deputies of the State Duma shall be elected in single-mandate electoral district (one district – one member). Electoral districts are to be formed according to Article 12 of this Law.
3. 225 deputies of the State Duma shall be elected in the federal electoral district in proportion to the number of votes cast for the federal lists of candidates to the deputies (hereinafter – federal lists of candidates).
4. Number of votes cast for the federal list of candidates shall be defined as a sum of votes cast for the federal list of candidates in each subject of the Russian Federation and outside of its territory.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, article 3: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/22
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation c . Decree d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments: Separate legislation governs different kind of elections. During election period the election commissions might adopt decisions and the Central Election Commission might issue instructions and other regulations on the questions connected with the application of Electoral Laws.
Source: The Constitution of the Russian Federation: http://www.constitution.ru/index.htm
Ascent and Decline of Russian Electoral Legislation: https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/international/20970.pdf
Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/22
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments: Only national elections. The issue of a referendum is covered by the Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum" as amended on April 5, 2016.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, article 2: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/22
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Participation of citizens in elections is voluntary. Nobody shall compel a citizen to participate or refrain from participating in elections or shall infringe on free expression of their will.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, art. 1: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/22
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary b . EMB
Comments: Article 75. Appealing against decisions and actions (omissions) that violate electoral rights and the right of
citizens of the Russian Federation to participate in a referendum
1. Appeals against decisions and actions (omissions) of bodies of state power, of bodies of local self government,
public associations and officials, as well as against decisions and actions (omissions) of commissions and their officials that violate electoral rights of citizens and the right of citizens to participate in a referendum may be submitted to a court.
3. In case of violation by a political party or a candidate of this Federal Law, the Central Election Commission, the district election commission, within its competence shall be entitled to issue are warning to that political party, candidate, which shall be made known to the voters through the mass media or otherwise.
Source:
Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation amended as of April 5, 2016, article 98: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/22
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: The election commission shall coordinate activities of lower commissions of a Russian Federation subject, renders assistance to them on methodological, technical, organizational and other matters
Source: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, article 28: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/22
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: 14. Financial support of activities of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation shall be
effected from the funds allocated for this purpose by the federal law on the federal budget for the relevant fiscal
year. Financial support of activities of the election commission of a subject of the Russian Federation shall be
effected from the funds allocated for this purpose by the law of the subject of the Russian Federation on the
budget of the subject of the Russian Federation for the relevant fiscal year and from the funds of the federal
budget in accordance with the procedure and in the amount set by the Central Election Commission of the
Russian Federation within the limits of funds allocated for such purposes by the federal law on the federal
budget for the relevant fiscal year. Financial support of activities of a municipality election commission , a
territorial commission functioning on a permanent basis and constituting a legal entity shall be effected from
funds of the budget of the subject of the Russian Federation and/or the local budget within the limits of funds
allocated for such purposes by the law of the subject of the Russian Federation on the budget of the subject of
the Russian Federation, and/or the regulatory act of the body of local self-government on the local budget for the
relevant fiscal year.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum, article 20: https://www.te.gob.mx/vota_elections/thesaurus/article/25302/16241/170
Verified: 2024/03/22
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: 14. Financial support of activities of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation shall be
effected from the funds allocated for this purpose by the federal law on the federal budget for the relevant fiscal
year. Financial support of activities of the election commission of a subject of the Russian Federation shall be
effected from the funds allocated for this purpose by the law of the subject of the Russian Federation on the
budget of the subject of the Russian Federation for the relevant fiscal year and from the funds of the federal
budget in accordance with the procedure and in the amount set by the Central Election Commission of the
Russian Federation within the limits of funds allocated for such purposes by the federal law on the federal
budget for the relevant fiscal year. Financial support of activities of a municipality election commission, a
territorial commission functioning on a permanent basis and constituting a legal entity shall be effected from
funds of the budget of the subject of the Russian Federation and/or the local budget within the limits of funds
allocated for such purposes by the law of the subject of the Russian Federation on the budget of the subject of
the Russian Federation, and/or the regulatory act of the body of local self-government on the local budget for the
relevant fiscal year.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Russian Federation as amended on 09 June 2001, art. 106(a): http://www.constitution.ru/10003000/10003000-6.htm
Electoral Law: Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum", article 20: https://www.te.gob.mx/vota_elections/media/files/e491d03ffa9036c.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/25
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: 3. The term of powers of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation shall be five years. If the
term of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation expires in the period of an election
campaign, in the period between the announcement of a referendum of the Russian Federation and the end of the
referendum campaign organized by the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, the term of
powers of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation shall be extended until the end of the
election campaign, referendum campaign.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum", article 21: https://www.te.gob.mx/vota_elections/media/files/e491d03ffa9036c.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/25
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
a . Governmental
Comments: 1. The Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation shall be a federal state body organizing the
preparation and conduct of elections, referendums in the Russian Federation in accordance with its powers
established by this Federal Law, other federal laws.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in Referendum", article 21:
https://www.te.gob.mx/vota_elections/media/files/e491d03ffa9036c.pdfhttps://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/4170
Verified: 2024/03/25
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
b . 11 - 20 members (specify)
Comments: 4. The Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation shall consist of fifteen members.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum", article 21: https://www.te.gob.mx/vota_elections/media/files/e491d03ffa9036c.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/25
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments: 4. Five members of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation shall be appointed by the State Duma of the
Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation from among the candidates proposed by the factions, other
associations of deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, or by individual
deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. Each association of deputies in
the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation may appoint not more than one
representative. Five members of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation shall be appointed
by the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation from among the candidates
nominated by the legislative (representative) bodies of state power of subjects of Russian Federation and top
executives of subjects of the Russian Federation (the heads of the highest executive bodies of state power of
subjects of the Russian Federation). Five members of the Central Election Commission of the Russian
Federation shall be appointed by the President of the Russian Federation.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum", article 21: https://www.te.gob.mx/vota_elections/media/files/e491d03ffa9036c.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/25
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State e . Legislature g . Political parties
Comments: 4. Five members of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation shall be appointed by the State Duma of the
Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation from among the candidates proposed by the factions, other
associations of deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, or by individual
deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. Each association of deputies in
the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation may appoint not more than one
representative. Five members of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation shall be appointed
by the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation from among the candidates
nominated by the legislative (representative) bodies of state power of subjects of Russian Federation and top
executives of subjects of the Russian Federation (the heads of the highest executive bodies of state power of
subjects of the Russian Federation). Five members of the Central Election Commission of the Russian
Federation shall be appointed by the President of the Russian Federation.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum", article 21: https://www.te.gob.mx/vota_elections/media/files/e491d03ffa9036c.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/25
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body b . Regional Electoral Management Bodies c . Local/County Electoral Management Bodies d . National Government e . Regional Governments f . Local Governments g . NGOs/ Civic Organizations h . Political parties/ candidates i . Media k . Other
Comments: 1. Informing of voters shall be carried out by state bodies, bodies of local government, election commissions, mass media organizations, legal entities and individuals in accordance with this Federal Law, Federal Law “On Basic Guarantees”. State bodies, bodies of local government shall not inform voters of political parties which nominated federal lists of candidates, candidates in single- mandate electoral districts or individual candidates.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, article 58: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/25
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments: The informational support of elections of deputies of the State Duma shall include voter information and election campaign and shall contribute to the conscious expression of voters will and openness of elections. Does not state when this occurs.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, article 58: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/25
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body c . Yes, conducted by the Regional Electoral Management Bodies d . Yes, conducted by the Local/County Electoral Management Bodies e . Yes, conducted by the Government f . Yes, conducted by the Regional Governments g . Yes, conducted by the Local Governments h . Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations i . Yes, conducted by Political Parties/ Candidates j . Yes, conducted by the Media
Comments: 1. Informing of voters shall be carried out by state bodies, bodies of local government, election commissions, mass media organizations, legal entities and individuals in accordance with this Federal Law, Federal Law “On Basic Guarantees”. State bodies, bodies of local government shall not inform voters of political parties which nominated federal lists of candidates, candidates in single- mandate electoral districts or individual candidates.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation amended as of April 5, 2016, article 58: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/25
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: 1. A citizen of the Russian Federation who has attained the age of 18 as of voting day shall be entitled to elect deputies of the State Duma in the federal electoral district.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, article 4: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/25
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments: 2. A citizen of the Russian Federation who has attained the age of 18 as of voting day and who is the resident of an electoral district shall be entitled to elect deputies of the State Duma in the corresponding electoral district. A citizen who has attained the age of 18 on the voting day and has been registered at the place of a temporary residence at the territory of electoral district not less than 3 months before the voting day and who is included in the voter list in accordance with part 11 of Article 17 of this Law also has a right to elect deputies in this district.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, article 4: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/25
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
c . Local Government Authority
Comments: 1. The voter lists shall be compiled by the election commissions for each electoral precinct individually in a form set forth by the CEC.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, article 16: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/25
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 1. Voters and referendum participants shall also be subject to registration/recording.
Source: Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum", article 16: https://www.te.gob.mx/vota_elections/media/files/e491d03ffa9036c.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/25
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) c . Regional distribution requirement e . Minimum number of candidates f . Other
Comments: 3. The nomination of candidates through the federal lists of candidates shall be exercised by the political parties.
4. A political party may nominate (including through the federal list of candidates) members of this political party as well as citizens who are not members of this political party nor any other political party. Political party has no right to nominate including through federal lists, members of others parties.
The minimum amount of party members - 500.
2. The nomination by a political party of a federal list of candidates, candidate in single-mandate electoral district is considered to be supported by the voters on the basis of the recent election results to the State Duma, deputies of legislative (representative) state bodies of subjects of the Russian Federation and does not require the collection of signatures of voters in any of the following cases:
1) a federal list of candidates nominated by a political party, which according to the recent election results to the State Duma was admitted to distribution of deputy mandates or received not less than 3 per cent of votes from those who took part in the voting in the federal electoral district;
51
2) the list of candidates nominated by a political party, was admitted to the distribution of seats in the legislative (representative) state body at least in one subject of the Russian Federation convocation, acting on the day of official publication (announcement) of the decision to call the election of deputies of the State Duma;
3) list of candidates nominated by a political party in accordance with the law of the subject of the Russian Federation provided by paragraph 17 of Article 35 of the Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees", the deputy mandate was submitted to the legislative (representative) state body at least of one subject of the Russian Federation as of convocation on the day of official announcement of the decision to call the election of deputies of the state Duma.
3. In support of the nomination of the federal list of candidates by the political party, which is not covered by part 2 of this Article, it shall be collected at least 200 thousand signatures of voters, while no more than 7000 signatures of voters registered in the subject of the Russian Federation shall be for one subject of the Russian Federation.
Source: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, article 6:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Federal Law "On Political Parties", amended as of March 9, 2016 (article 3).
Verified: 2024/03/25
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: 4. A citizen of the Russian Federation who has attained the age of 21 on the voting day is eligible to be elected deputy of the State Duma.
Source: The Constitution of the Russian Federation, article. 97: http://www.constitution.ru/10003000/10003000-6.htm
Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, article 4: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/25
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: 2. Any citizen of the Russian Federation not younger than 35 years of age and with a permanent residence record in the Russian Federation of not less than 10 years may be elected President of the Russian Federation.
A citizen of the Russian Federation over 30 years old enjoying the constitutional right to elect or be elected to state authority bodies could be elected (appointed) member of the Council of the Federation.
4. A citizen of the Russian Federation who has attained the age of 21 on the voting day is eligible to be elected deputy of the State Duma.
Source: The Constitution of the Russian Federation, art. 81, 97: http://www.constitution.ru/10003000/10003000-6.htm
Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, article 4: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiz-9bZwf6EAxVX4skDHb15AeIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.te.gob.mx%2Fvota_elections%2Fpage%2Fdownload%2F16240&usg=AOvVaw3NYZOKj696lT-b9Q5THAwf&opi=89978449
Verified: 2024/03/25
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Political parties that received more than 3 per cent of votes during previous State Duma elections are eligible for state funding. The laws do not contain comprehensive regulations for party and campaign financing, while there is a number of CEC regulations on the matter. However, it obliges electoral contestants to cover all campaign expenses from dedicated campaign accounts. Parties and candidates can use their own funds, as well as donations from citizens and legal entities.
Source: Russian Federation State Duma Elections 18 September 2016 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/e/e/251486.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/25
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments: Political parties that received more than 3 per cent of votes during previous State Duma elections are eligible for state funding. The laws do not contain comprehensive regulations for party and campaign financing, while there is a number of CEC regulations on the matter. However, it obliges electoral contestants to cover all campaign expenses from dedicated campaign accounts. Parties and candidates can use their own funds, as well as donations from citizens and legal entities.
Source: Russian Federation State Duma Elections 18 September 2016 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/e/e/251486.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/25
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Political parties that received more than 3 per cent of votes during previous State Duma elections are eligible for state funding.
Source: Russian Federation State Duma Elections 18 September 2016 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/e/e/251486.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/25
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: 1. Counting of votes shall be carried out openly and publicly, with the announcement and corresponding consecutive entry into the enlarged forms of protocols of the precinct election commission on voting results of the results of actions carried out to count ballots and votes by voting members of the precinct election commission. Persons referred to in Part 5 of Article 32 of this Federal Law shall be given an opportunity to be present during the counting of votes and to observe the counting.
2. At the end of voting time, chair of the precinct election commission shall announce that
only those voters who are already in the polling station may receive ballots and vote. Counting of votes shall begin immediately after the end of voting shall be carried out without interruption until the determination of voting results, which shall be communicated to all members of the precinct election commission, other persons referred to in Part 5 of Article 32 this Federal Law.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April, 5, 2016, article 85: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/34/Law%20on%20Parliamentary%20Elections%20of%20the%20Russian%20Federation%20as%20of%20February%202014.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/25
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request e . Court order f . Other
Comments: Detailed information is provided in Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April, 5, 2016, articles 85, 86, 87.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation amended as of April, 5, 2016, articles 85, 86, 87: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/34/Law%20on%20Parliamentary%20Elections%20of%20the%20Russian%20Federation%20as%20of%20February%202014.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/25
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance b . Based on number of candidates put forward in present elections
Comments: 13. The airtime provided free of charge for placement of campaign materials of political parties and candidates shall be distributed (if available), respectively, among all political parties, all registered candidates equally.
Source: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April, 5, 2016, art. 65: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/34/Law%20on%20Parliamentary%20Elections%20of%20the%20Russian%20Federation%20as%20of%20February%202014.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/25
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: Electoral campaign on TV and radio channels and in the print media shall be conducted in the form of public debates in particular.
Source: Electoral Law: Russian Federation Federal Law on the Election of the President of the Russian Federation, amended as of July 24, 2007, art. 49: https://legislationline.org/taxonomy/term/12319
Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation amended as of April, 5, 2016, art. 62: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/34/Law%20on%20Parliamentary%20Elections%20of%20the%20Russian%20Federation%20as%20of%20February%202014.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/25
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
c . 4-5 days
Comments: 3. Within five days before the voting day and on the voting day it shall be prohibited to publish (make public) opinion poll results, forecasts of election results at elections of deputies of the State Duma, other studies relating to the election, in particular in the public information and telecommunication networks (including the Internet).
Source: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April, 5, 2016, art. 60: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/34/Law%20on%20Parliamentary%20Elections%20of%20the%20Russian%20Federation%20as%20of%20February%202014.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/27
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Not included.
Source: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April, 5, 2016: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/34/Law%20on%20Parliamentary%20Elections%20of%20the%20Russian%20Federation%20as%20of%20February%202014.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/27
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 3: 3. The supreme direct expression of the power of the people shall be referenda and free elections.
Article 135: 3. The Constitutional Assembly shall either confirm the invariability of the Constitution of the Russian Federation or draft a new Constitution of the Russian Federation, which shall be adopted by the Constitutional Assembly by two thirds of the total number of its members or submitted to a referendum. In case of a referendum the Constitution of the Russian Federation shall be considered adopted, if over half of the voters who came to the polls supported it and under the condition that over half of the electorate participated in the referendum.
Source: The Constitution of the Russian Federation amended as of June 9, 2001, art. 3(3) & 135(3): http://www.constitution.ru/index.htm
Verified: 2024/03/27
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: In Russia, the mandatory referendum may be provided for only by an international treaty.
Source: EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW (VENICE COMMISSION)
REFERENDUMS IN EUROPE – AN ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL RULES IN EUROPEAN STATES: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-AD(2005)034-e
Verified: 2024/03/27
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: In Russia, an optional referendum can relate to a new constitution as a whole, on the initiative of the constituent assembly.
Source: EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW (VENICE COMMISSION) REFERENDUMS IN EUROPE – AN ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL RULES IN EUROPEAN STATES: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-AD(2005)034-e
Verified: 2024/03/27
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 14: 1. In the Russian Federation, the initiative to hold a referendum is vested in those citizens of the Russian Federation who are entitled to participate in a referendum.
Source: Law: Russian Federation Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum", art. 14: https://legislationline.org/taxonomy/term/12320
Verified: 2024/03/27
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook: https://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook
Verified: 2024/03/27
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: An election association in order and on the ground stipulated by the federal law and (or) the statute of election association is entitled to recall a candidate nominated by such association.
Source: FEDERAL LAW ON BASIC GUARANTEES OF ELECTORAL RIGHTS AND THE RIGHT OF CITIZENS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION TO PARTICIPATE IN A REFERENDUM, article 38: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2012)008-e
Verified: 2024/03/27
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: Article 73: 1. A decision adopted at a referendum shall be binding and shall not need any additional approval.
Source: Law: Russian Federation Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum", amended as of July 4, 2003, art. 73(1): https://legislationline.org/taxonomy/term/12320
Verified: 2024/03/29
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: Article 92: The Acting President of the Russian Federation shall not have the right to dissolve the State Duma, call a referendum or to submit proposals for amendments to and the revision of the provisions of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
Article 6: At elections or a referendum a citizen of the Russian Federation shall vote directly at elections or a referendum for or against a candidate (a list of candidates) respectively, for or against a referendum question.
Source: Constitution of the Russian Federation, article 92: http://archive.government.ru/eng/gov/base/54.html
Federal Law on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum (amended 2003), article 6: https://legislationline.org/taxonomy/term/12320
Verified: 2024/03/29
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 130: 2. Local self-government shall be exercised by citizens through a referendum, election, other forms of direct expression of the will of the people, through elected and other bodies of local self-government.
Source: The Constitution of the Russian Federation, amended as of 9 June 2001, art. 130(2): http://www.constitution.ru/index.htm
Verified: 2024/03/29
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
d . At specially designated polling stations e . At mobile polling stations
Comments: article 83: By decision of the territorial election commission, the number of mobile ballot boxes for voting outside the polling stations specified in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 6 of this article.
article 82: If particular groups of voters included in the voter list at the respective electoral precinct are located in places far from the voting premises, transportation links to which are absent or difficult.
Source: Federal Law on Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, article 83: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/34/Law%20on%20Parliamentary%20Elections%20of%20the%20Russian%20Federation%20as%20of%20February%202014.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/29
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation) d . Members of the armed forces e . Students f . Diplomatic staff
Comments: 3. For citizens of the Russian Federation staying outside the territory of the Russian Federation, election precincts, referendum precincts shall be formed by the heads of diplomatic or consular missions of the Russian Federation in the territory of the country where they stay. The provisions regarding the number of voters, referendum participants set forth in Clause 2 of this Article shall not be applied if election precincts, referendum precincts are formed outside the territory of the Russian Federation.
Source: Federal Law: "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum", (article 19): https://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/4170
Verified: 2024/03/29
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates c . Special polling stations
Comments: 5. In places where voters, referendum participants temporarily stay (hospitals, sanatoriums, holiday hotels, detention centers for suspected or accused persons, and other places of temporary stay of voters), in remote areas and hard-to-reach areas, on ships at sea on the voting day and at polar stations, election precincts, referendum precincts may be formed within the periods established by Clause 2 of this Article, and in exceptional cases and upon approval of the superior commission, not later than in 3 days before the voting day. Such election precincts shall be included in electoral districts where the election precincts are located or where the ships are registered. At elections to bodies of state power of the subject of the Russian Federation, to bodies of local self-government, at a referendum of the subject of the Russian Federation, a local referendum, the law of the subject of the Russian Federation may prescribe a different procedure for assignment of precincts to electoral districts, referendum districts. In remote and hard-to-reach places, at ships that are at sea on the voting, at polar stations election precincts, referendum precincts may be formed by superior commission in coordination with the captain of the ship, the head of the polar station, heads of organizations located in hard-to-reach or remote areas.
(as amended by the Federal Law of July 21, 2005, No.93-FZ, of October 4, 2010, No.263-FZ)
Source: Federal Law: "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum", article 19: https://legislationline.org/taxonomy/term/12320
Verified: 2024/03/29
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: 8. Voting shall be carried out by a voter by marking the ballot with any sign: on the ballot for voting in the federal electoral district – in the square referring to the chosen federal list of candidates; on the ballot for voting in the single-mandate electoral district - in the square referring to the chosen candidate.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April 5, 2016, article 81: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/34/Law%20on%20Parliamentary%20Elections%20of%20the%20Russian%20Federation%20as%20of%20February%202014.pdf
Verified: 2024/03/29
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