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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
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments:
Source: Federal Law about approval of the scheme of one-mandatory constituencies for elections of deputies of the State Duma of Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation (November 3, 2015, No. 300-FZ)
Verified: 2016/05/27
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
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
a . Total population
Comments: 1. To conduct the elections of deputies to the State Duma elected by single-mandate electoral districts, 225 single-mandate electoral districts shall be established on the territory of the Russian Federation. The establishment of the single-mandate electoral districts shall be performed on the basis of information on number of voters, referendum participants registered on the territory of the Russian Federation in accordance with the requirements laid down in Article 16 of the Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees”. 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 July1).
2. The single-mandate electoral districts are formed on the basis of a single rate of representation of voters, determined by dividing the total number of voters registered in the Russian Federation to the total number of single-mandate electoral districts (225).
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
as amended on April, 5, 2016, art. 12, par. 1 and 2:
Verified: 2016/05/27
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
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
k . Boundaries redrawn every____period of years
Comments: 12. The scheme of single-mandate electoral districts shall be approved by a federal law for a period of 10 years. This federal law shall be published no later than 20 days before the expiration of the term for which the former scheme of single-mandate electoral districts was approved. If a federal law has not been published within the specified period, the new scheme of single-mandate electoral districts shall be approved by the CEC not later than one month from the date of expiration of that period. In the event of dissolution of the State Duma, the previous scheme of single-mandate electoral districts is applied for the early elections to the State Duma.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
as amended on April, 5, 2016, art. 12, par. 12
Verified: 2016/05/27
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
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
j . By appointment
Comments: According to the Law, the Federation Council consists of two delegates from each Russian constituent component, one representing the given region’s legislative assembly and the other representing the provincial executive authorities. There will be two different election procedures, one for each type of member. (art. 1.)
Candidates for the Senator from a constituent component’s legislature must be a member of the component region’s legislative assembly. He or she will be nominated as a candidate by the chairman of the regional legislative assembly, by one party faction represented in the assembly, or by at least one-fifth of the assembly members. Then, the regional legislative assembly will vote for one of the nominated candidates. (art. 3.)
The second type of delegate to the Federation Council, the regional executive authority representative, will be appointed by the Governor of that constituent component. The delegate will be selected from among three people named by the candidates for the office of Governor. The winner of the gubernatorial election appoints one of the three he or she previously named to serve on the Federation Council. (art. 4.)
Source: Russia: New Procedure to Form the Parliament’s Upper Chamber
http://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/russia-new-procedure-to-form-the-parliaments-upper-chamber/
Federal Law on the Procedure to Form the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Federal Assembly as on December 3 2012.
Verified: 2016/06/02
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
c . Largest Remainder Method (Quota)
Comments: 1. The Central Election Commission shall calculate the sum of the votes cast for the federal lists of candidates admitted to the distribution of mandates in accordance with the rules provided by parts 7 - 9 of Article 88 of this Federal Law. This sum of votes is divided by 225 - the number of mandates to be distributed in the federal electoral district. The result is the first electoral quotient, which shall be used in the distribution of mandates between the federal lists of candidates.
2. The number of votes received by each federal list of candidates admitted to the distribution of deputy mandates shall be divided by the first electoral quotient provided by part 1 of this Article. The whole part of the result of this division is the number of mandates allocated to the respective federal list of candidates as a result of initial distribution of deputy mandates.
3. If after the initial distribution of mandates carried out in accordance with part 2 of this Article, there remain unallocated mandates, the second distribution shall be made. Unallocated deputy mandates shall be allocated by one to the federal lists of candidates, which have the largest remainder fraction resulting from the division made according to part 2 of this Article. In case of equal fractions (after the decimal point to the sixth digit inclusive), preference shall be given to the federal list of candidates that received the greater number of votes.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
as amended on April 5, 2016 No 92-FZ (Article 89).
Verified: 2016/05/31
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Specially delimited constituencies
Comments: 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.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
as amended on April 5, 2016 No 92-FZ (Article 3).
Verified: 2016/05/31
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
c . Regional or provincial level
Comments: According to the Law, the Federation Council consists of two delegates from each Russian constituent component, one representing the given region’s legislative assembly and the other representing the provincial executive authorities. There will be two different election procedures, one for each type of member. (art. 1.)
Source: Federal Law on the Procedure to Form the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Federal Assembly as on December 3 2012.
Verified: 2016/05/31
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/05/31
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/05/31
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: 7. Deputy mandates shall be distributed to the federal lists of candidates, each of which received 5 or more percent of votes cast in the federal electoral district, provided that there are at least two such lists, and that in total more than 50per cent of votes cast were cast for these lists. In such case other federal lists of candidates shall not be admitted to the distribution of mandates.
8. If the federal lists of candidates, each of which received 5 percent or more votes cast in the federal electoral district, together received 50 percent or less votes cast, mandates shall be distributed to these lists, as well as sequentially in the decreasing order to the number of votes cast also to the federal lists of candidates that received less than 5 per cent of votes cast, until the total number of votes cast for the federal lists of candidates admitted distribution of deputy mandates exceeds in the aggregate 50 percent of votes cast.
9. If one federal list of candidates received more than 50 per cent of votes cast in the federal electoral district, and other federal lists of candidates received less than 5 per cent of votes cast, mandates shall be distributed to that federal list of candidates as well as the federal list of candidates that received the highest number of votes cast from among the federal lists of candidates which received less than 5 per cent of votes cast.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
as amended on April 5, 2016 No 92-FZ (Article 88).
Verified: 2016/05/31
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: Members of the Federal Council are appointed.
Source: Federal Law on the Procedure to Form the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Federal Assembly as on December 3 2012. (art.1)
Verified: 2016/05/31
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments: 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).
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
as amended on April 5, 2016 No 92-FZ (Article 88).
Verified: 2016/06/03
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: Members of the Federal Council are appointed.
Source: Federal Law on the Procedure to Form the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Federal Assembly as on December 3 2012.
Verified: 2016/06/03
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: 1. The State Duma shall be elected for a term of five years.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Russian Federation as amended on 09 June 2001, art. 95.
Verified: 2016/05/31
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: The members of the Federal Council are not elected - two persons are sent from each Subject (one represents the legislature, the other executive power). The method of appointing these persons differs in each Subject.
Source: Federal Law on the Procedure to Form the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Federal Assembly as on December 3 2012.
Verified: 2016/05/31
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments: 1. Voting shall be conducted from 8:00 to 20:00 local time. If the electoral precinct is the place of residence (location) of voters, whose working time coincides with the voting time (working at companies with a continuous cycle of work or working in shifts), by decision of the election commission of a Russian Federation subject the start of voting at this polling station may be moved to an earlier time, but by no more than two hours.
Source: Federal Law on the Election of Deputies of the State Duma, Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, article 81.
Verified: 2016/05/31
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The members of the Federal Council are not elected - two persons are sent from each Subject (one represents the legislature, the other executive power). The method of appointing these persons differs in each Subject.
Source: Federal Law on the Procedure to Form the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Federal Assembly as on December 3 2012.
Verified: 2016/05/31
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
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April 5, 2016.
This Law will regulate the parliamentary elections in the Russian Federation in 2016.
Article 104. The Order of Entry Into Force of This Federal Law
1. This Federal Law shall enter into force after its official publication, with the exception of Article 103 of this Federal Law.
2. Article 103 of the present Federal Law shall enter into force on the date of the end of the term of the State Duma that is current at the time of entry into force of this Federal Law.
3. This Federal Law shall apply to the election of deputies of the State Duma elected after the date of entry into force of this Federal Law.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April 5, 2016 (article 104).
Tel.:+373-2-232-597
Verified: 2016/06/02
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
LF005
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
Answer:
a . National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/06/02
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/06/02
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
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: The agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are not specially appointed/elected.
Source: Mr. Evgeny I. Kolushin - Member of the Central Election Commission.
Tel.:+373-2-232-597
Verified: 2016/06/02
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates b . Parties c . Voters e . Other
Comments: 10. Appeals against decisions and actions (omissions) that violate electoral rights of citizens and the right of
citizens to participate in a referendum may be submitted by voters, referendum participants, candidates, their
agents, electoral associations, and their agents, other public associations, a referendum initiative group, its
authorized representatives, observers, and commissions.
Source: 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 July 21, 2005. (article 75).
Verified: 2016/06/02
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Superior Court d . Local Court
Comments: 2. Appeals against decisions and actions (omissions) of the Central Election Commission of the Russian
Federation shall be submitted to the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, appeals against decisions and
actions (omissions) of the election commissions of subjects of the Russian Federation, district election
commissions at elections of legislative (representative) bodies of state power of subjects of the Russian
Federation shall be submitted to the supreme courts of the republics, regional courts, courts of cities of federal
significance, courts of autonomous regions and districts, appeals against actions or omissions of the other
commissions shall be submitted to district courts.
Source: 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 July 21, 2005). (article 75).
Verified: 2016/06/02
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
b . Legislative Committee c . Government f . Other
Comments: f) The President of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council, the members to the Federation Council, the deputies to the House of Representatives [State Duma], the Government of the Russian Federation and the legislative (representative) bodies of the subjects of the Russian Federation have the right of legislative initiative. The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and the Supreme Court of Arbitration of the Russian Federation also have the right of legislative initiative within their jurisdiction.
Source: The Constitution of the Russian Federation (article 104).
Verified: 2016/06/02
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
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: It is an independent organ therefore the control functions are tend inside the commission.
Commission reports to State Duma on Spending funds allocated from the State Budget.
Source: 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. (article 20)
Verified: 2016/06/02
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
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
a . Elected (specify by whom)
Comments: 7. Members of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation shall elect from among their
members and by secret ballot the Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, the
Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation and the Secretary of the
Central Election Commission 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" as amended on April 5, 2016. (article 21)
Verified: 2016/06/02
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
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement e . Public meetings f . Mail-outs g . Internet h . Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April 5, 2016. (chapter 8).
Tel.:+373-2-232-597
Verified: 2016/06/02
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement e . Public meetings f . Mail-outs g . Internet h . Handouts (printed material)
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/06/02
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
b . Young people/ first time voters
Comments:
Source: Mr. Evgeny I. Kolushin- Member of the Central Election Commission.
Tel.:+373-2-232-597
Verified: 2002/09/09
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
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal Incarceration d . Mental disability
Comments: 6. A citizen of the Russian Federation who is recognized incapable by a court of law or imprisoned under the sentence of a court of law is not eligible to vote and stand for elections or participate in performance of other electoral actions.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April 5, 2016. (article 4)
Verified: 2016/06/02
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
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
b . Voters register
Comments: 2. Citizens of the Russian Federation who as of voting day are entitled to an active electoral right, the right to
participate in a referendum shall be included in the lists of voters, referendum participants in the electoral
precincts, referendum precincts.
Source: 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. (article 17)
Verified: 2016/06/02
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments: 1. Voters and referendum participants shall also be subject to registration/recording
2. Registration/ recording of voters and referendum participants residing in the territory of the appropriate
municipality shall be carried out by the Head of municipal administration of the municipal district, city district,
intra-city territory of a federal-significance city and in cases envisaged in the law of the subject of the Russian
Federation and the federal-significance city, by the Head of the territory executive body of the federalsignificance
city. The Reason for registration/accounting of voters and referendum participants on the territory
of the municipality shall be actual location of the place of residence (with respect to forced migrants – actual
temporary stay) of voters and referendum participants on the appropriate territory. This fact is established based
on information provided by the bodies in charge of state registration of the Russian citizens at the place of stay
and at the place of residence in the Russian Federation.
3. Registration/ recording of voters and referendum participants who are military men, their families and other
voters, referendum participants residing outside the location of the military unit shall be carried out by the
commander of the military unit. The reason for registration/ recording of this category of voters / referendum
participants shall be actual location of their place of residence within the location of the military unit, as
established on the basis of information provided by the appropriate service to the military unit.
4. Registration/recording of voters, referendum participants residing outside the territory of the Russian
Federation or staying abroad on long business trips shall be carried out by the head of the appropriate diplomatic
representative office or a consular department of the Russian Federation. The reason for registration/recording
of this category of voters/ referendum participants shall be their permanent residence on the territory of a foreign
state or stay in a long-term foreign business trip on the territory of the appropriate foreign state, that shall be set
by the diplomatic and consular missions of the Russian Federation.
5. The authorities in charge of registration of citizens of the Russian Federation at the place of stay and at the
place of residence within the Russian Federation, issue and replacement of documents identifying citizens of the
Russian Federation in the Russian Federation shall, at least once a month, provide information on actual issue
and replacement of a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation, registration and de-registration at the place
of residence (with respect to forced migrants – at the place of stay) of citizens of the Russian Federation, issue
of a passport of the citizen of the Russian Federation, in violation of the established procedure, with indication
of the following personal data of the citizen: surname, name and patronymic, date of birth, place of birth, sex,
nationality, address of the place of residence (with respect to forced migrants – place of stay), type of ID
document, series and number of this document, name or code of the issuing authority, issue date of the
document – to the Head of the local administration of the municipal district, city district, intra-city territory of
the federal-significance city; and in cases envisaged in the law of the subject of the Russian Federation –
federal-significance city, - to the Head of the territorial executive body of the federal-significance city at his/her
location.
6. Civil registry offices shall, at least once a month, submit information on actual deaths of citizens of the
Russian Federation to the Head of local administration of the municipal district, city district, intra-city territory
of a federal-significance city, and in cases envisaged in the law of the subject of the Russian Federation – a
federal-significance city- to the head of the territorial office of executive power of the federal-significance-city
at his/her location.
7. At least once in three months, the bodies in charge of military registration shall inform of citizens of the
Russian Federation drafted/ arrived under a contract to military service (dismissed from military service), and
bodies/institutions of the military execution system – on the citizens imprisoned under a court judgment, to the
head of the local administration of the municipal district, city district, intra-city territory of the federalsignificance
city, and in cases envisaged by law of the subject of the Russian Federation – federal-significance
city, to the head of the territorial executive body of the federal-significance city at the place of residence of the
citizen.
8. A court of law, having resolved to recognize the citizen as incompetent, as well as to recognize a citizen, who
had been earlier recognized by the court as incompetent, as competent, shall communicate the decision made to
the head of the local administration of the municipal district, the city district, the intra-city territory of a federalsignificance
city, and in cases envisaged in the law of the subject of the subject of the Russian Federation – the
federal-significance city, to the head of the territory office of the executive power of the federal-significance city
at the place of residence of the national.
9. The information indicated in Sections 5-8 of this Article shall, at least once a month, be communicated by the
head of the local administration of the municipal district, the city district, the intra-city territory of the federalsignificance
city, and in cases envisaged in law of the subject of the Russian Federation – federal-significance
city, by the head of the territorial office of executive power of the federal-significance city, to election
commission of the subject of the Russian Federation for establishment and maintenance of the register of voters
and referendum participants.
10. Registration of voters/referendum participants and establishment of the number of persons registered on the
territory of the municipal entity of a subject of the Russian Federation, in the Russian Federation and abroad as
voters/referendum participants shall be carried out as of January 1 and July 1 of each year, using GAS Vybory.
11. Registration of voters, referendum participants, establishment of the number of registered voters/
referendum participants, establishment and maintenance of the register of voters/ referendum participants shall
be effected in such manner as established in the regulations on the state system for registration/recording of
voters/referendum participants, as approved of by the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation.
12. A voter, referendum participant shall be entitled to free access to documented information (personal file)
regarding him including data on machine-readable media, to correct inaccurate data in order to ensure its
completeness and validity and shall be entitled to know who uses or used such data and for what purposes, and
to whom and by whom such information was provided.
Source: 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. (article 16)
Tel.:+373-2-232-597
Verified: 2016/06/02
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
b . Links to police records of residence e . Appearance by voter at registration office g . Data matching with other agencies information j . Other
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.
2. The voter lists shall be compiled by the TEC no later than 11 days prior to the voting day on the basis of information provided by the head of local administration, commander of a military unit, or head of organization in which voters temporarily stay. In the event of early voting in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 82 of this Federal Law the voter list at the appropriate electoral precinct is composed by a TEC not later than 21 days before voting day.
3. If it is revealed that a citizen of the Russian Federation is entered into the voter lists at different electoral precincts, the respective TEC shall check the voter lists and remove errors and discrepancies therein before transferring the voter lists to the precinct election commissions.
15
4. The voter lists at the electoral precinct established in difficult and remote areas shall be compiled by the precinct election commission no later than 10 days prior to the voting day, and in exclusive cases – no later than on the day of formation of the precinct election commission on the basis of information provided by the head of local administration of the settlement and the applications of citizens in accordance with the part 11 of Article 17 of this Federal law.. In the event of early voting in accordance with part 2 and 2 of Article 82 of this Federal Law the voter list at the appropriate electoral precinct is composed by TEC not later than 21 days before voting day.
5. At electoral precinct established on the territory of military units, voter list- of servicemen staying in the military unit, their family members and other voters, if they reside in the territory inside the military unit, shall be compiled on the basis of data provided by commander of the military unit no later than 10 days prior to the voting day, and in the exceptional cases – no later than in the day of PEC formation, on the bases of the information about voters provided by the commander of the military unit, as well as voters' applications submitted in accordance with part 11 of Article 17, of this Federal Law.
6. At the electoral precincts established in places of temporary stay of voters (hospitals, sanatoriums, rest homes, detention centres, and other places of temporary stay), on vessels that will be at sea on the voting day and at polar stations voter lists shall be compiled on the basis of data provided by chiefs of the institutions no later than on the day preceding the voting day. At the electoral precincts established in compliance with part 3 of Article 14 of this Law in places of temporary stay of voters with no residence registration in the territory of the Russian Federation, the voter lists shall be compiled on the basis of written requests of the said voters submitted in accordance with part 6 of Article 17 of this Law.
7. At the electoral precinct established outside the Russian Federation the voter lists shall be compiled by a respective precinct election commission on the basis of requests of citizens of the Russian Federation permanently residing outside the Russian Federation or making long stay foreign trips, in accordance with part 4 of Article 16 of this Law.
8. Voter data shall be collected and checked by the officials indicated in parts 2, 4 to 6 of this Article, and shall be submitted to the TEC no later than 60 days prior to the voting day, or, if the lists of voters are compiled by the precinct election commission, to respective precinct election commission immediately after establishment thereof. The collection, updating and presentation of information about voters shall be conducted in the manner prescribed by the CEC.
9. The voter lists may be compiled with the help of GAS Vybory.
10. The voter lists shall be compiled in alphabetical or other order (on the basis of localities, streets, houses, or addresses of voters). The voter list shall indicate last name, first name, patronymic, year of birth (day and month of birth additionally for those of age of 18 years) and address of permanent residence of voter, in the cases provided for in paragraphs 8 and 11 of Article 17 of this Federal law, - the address of a place of temporary stay). The lists shall have fields to enter the voter’s passport number (or document replacing the passport), voter’s signature (confirming the receipt of the ballot), election commission member’s signature (confirming the issue of the ballot) as well as fields for special marks and each page sum-ups.
16
11. The voter list shall be made in duplicate. One copy shall have a paper typewritten format; the second copy shall have an electronic format. In exceptional cases, the voter lists may be compiled in a handwritten format.
12. The first copy of the voter lists compiled in accordance with part 2 of this Article together with statements of the voters, submitted in accordance with Paragraph 11 of Article 17 of this Federal Law shall be left at the precinct election commission 10 days prior to the voting day. The second copy shell be filed with the TEC and be used in the procedure established by the CEC. The voter list shall be signed by the chairman and secretary of the TEC with indication of the signature date and shall be sealed by the stamp of the TEC. In the case of early voting in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 82 of this Federal Law the first copy of the voter list is transferred to a precinct election commission not later than 21 days before the voting day.
13. The voter list compiled by the precinct election commission in accordance with part 4 to 7 of this Article shall be signed by the chairman and secretary of the precinct election commission and shall be sealed by the stamp of the precinct election commission.
14. Having received or compiled the voter list a precinct election commission shall check and update the list on the basis of personal applications from citizens made in accordance with Article 17 and 18 of this Federal Law, relevant documents of the bodies of local government, executive territorial bodies of city of federal significance, their officials, state registries, bodies for residence and migration control of the Russian Federation, messages from the higher-level election commission which confirm the entry of voters in the voter list in some other electoral precinct. The checked and updated voter list shall be signed by the chairman and secretary of a precinct election commission and sealed by the stamp of the precinct election commission not later than 18.00 local time on the day preceding the voting day.
15. A precinct election commission has a right to divide the first copy of the voter list into separate books. Not later than on the day preceding the voting day each such book shall be paginated, covered by the title and stitched up. The stitch shall be sealed by the stamp of the respective precinct commission and signed by the chairman thereof.
16. The persons presenting voter data shall be accountable for the accuracy and completeness of the data and the timeless of its submission.
Source: Federal Law on the Election of Deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. (article 16).
Verified: 2016/06/02
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
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Members of the Federal Council are appointed by each subject.
Source: http://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/russia-new-procedure-to-form-the-parliaments-upper-chamber/
Verified: 2016/06/03
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
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: 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.
Candidates to the Council of the Federation from legislative (representative) state authority’s body of the subject (constituent entity) of Federation are proposed by the Chairman of that body or by Chairmen of both chambers in turn, if the legislative (representative) body consists of two chambers. Groups of constituents of not less than 1/3 of the chamber deputies’ total number could propose alternative candidates as well. The decision on election of a representative from legislative (representative) body is taken by secret ballot and confirmed by Resolution of the above mentioned body or by joint Resolution passed by both chambers of the two-chamber legislative (representative) body.
Source: http://council.gov.ru/en/about/
Verified: 2016/06/03
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence
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.
Source: The Constitution of the Russian Federation, art. 81.
Verified: 2016/06/03
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration d . Naturalization e . Offences against electoral law k . Mental health problems
Comments: 8. The following citizens of the Russian Federation do not have the right to be elected:
1) convicted by a court to imprisonment for committing serious or (and) grave crime if the voting is to take place before the expiration of the period for which the abovementioned sentence has effect;
2) convicted by a court for committing serious – within 10 years from the date of removal or cancelation of conviction;
3) convicted by a court for committing grave crime – within 15 years from the date of removal or cancelation of conviction;
4) convicted by a court for committing a crime of extremists nature, prescribed by a Criminal Code if the voting is to take place before the expiration of the period for which the abovementioned sentence has effect if such a citizen of the Russian Federation are not covered by paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Part;
5) sentenced for administrative offenses provided for in Articles 20.3 and 20.29 of the Code of Administrative Offences, if the voting is to take place before the end of the period during which a person is considered to be under administrative offence;
6) in respect of whom a court decision entered into force, establishing a violation of the restrictions imposed by paragraph 1 of Article 56 of the Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees", or the fact of committing actions referred to in subparagraph "g" of paragraph 7 and sub-paragraph "g" of paragraph 8 of Article 76 of the Federal law "On Basic Guarantees", if such violations or actions were committed within a period not exceeding five years prior to the voting day.
9. If the period of limitation of the right to be elected as provided in paragraph 2 and 3 of part 8 of this Article shall expire during the election campaign before the election day, a
7
citizen of the Russian Federation, whose right to be elected was restricted, has the right according to the law to be nominated as a candidate for those elections.
10. If the crime for which a citizen has been convicted is not recognized as a grave crime in accordance with the new criminal law, the restrictions of the right to be elected, stipulated by paragraph 1-3 of part 8 of this Article shall be terminated from the day of the new law entering into force.
11. If a serious crime for which a citizen has been convicted is treated by a new criminal law as a grave one or if a grave crime for which a citizen has been convicted is treated by a new criminal law as serious, the restrictions of the right to be elected, stipulated by paragraph 2 and 3 of part 8 of this Article shall be applied within 10 years from the date of cancelation or removal of the conviction.
12. A citizen who is sentenced by a court to loss of the right to hold public office for a specific period of time, provided such sentence has come into force, shall not be registered as a candidate for the elections of deputies if the voting is to take place before the expiration of the period for which the sentence here above has effect.
13. A citizen of the Russian Federation nominated as a candidate for election to the State Duma, including as a part of the federal list, by the time of submission of documents required for his registration, registration of the federal list, shall close the accounts (deposits), terminate the storage of cash and valuables in foreign banks located outside the territory of the Russian Federation and (or) dispose of foreign financial instruments.
Source: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April 5, 2016. (article 4)
Verified: 2016/06/03
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration e . Offences against electoral law k . Mental health problems
Comments: 4. A citizen of the Russian Federation pronounced legally incapable by a court or kept in detention places under a court sentence shall have no right to elect or be elected the President of the Russian Federation.
5. A citizen of the Russian Federation who occupies the office of the President of the Russian Federation for a second consecutive term as of the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation shall have no right to be elected the President of the Russian Federation.
51. A citizen of the Russian Federation shall not be entitled to be elected the President of the Russian Federation if he has a citizenship of a foreign state or a residence permit or another document confirming his right to permanent residence in the territory of a foreign state.
52. A citizen of the Russian Federation shall not be entitled to be elected the President of the Russian Federation:
1) if he has been convicted for commission of a grave and/or especially grave crime and his record of conviction for this crime is not withdrawn or spent as of the voting day;
2) if he has been convicted for commission of an extremist crime under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and his record of conviction for this crime is not withdrawn or spent as of the voting day;
3) if an administrative penalty has been imposed on him for commission of an administrative offence under Articles 20.3 and 20.29 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation, provided that voting in the election of the President of the Russian Federation is to be held before expiration of the period during which this person is considered to be under the administrative penalty;
4) if a legally effective court decision establishes that he has violated the restrictions imposed by Clause 1, Article 56 of the Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum" or has committed the acts mentioned in Sub-Clause “g” of Clause 7 and Sub-Clause “g” of Clause 8, Article 76 of the Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum," provided that such violations or acts were committed within a period which does not exceed four years before the voting day.
6. A citizen of the Russian Federation deprived of the right to hold state offices for a definite period by a legally effective court sentence, if such punishment is provided for by the federal law, shall not be registered as a candidate for the office of the President of the Russian Federation if voting in the election of the President of the Russian Federation is to be held before expiration of the period established by the court.
Source: Federal Law on the Election of the President of the Russian Federation as amended on July 25, 2011
Verified: 2016/06/03
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
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify) b . Deposit requirement (specify)
Comments: Article 41. Self-Nomination of a Candidate
1. A citizen of the Russian Federation who has a right to vote is entitled to be self- nominated candidate in a single-mandate electoral districts in the elections to the State Duma.
2. Candidate can be self-nominated only in one single-mandate electoral district. A self-nominated candidate cannot be nominated by a political party. In the case of non-
43
compliance with these requirements, the valid nomination is a nomination about which the DEC was notified in accordance with this Article or with Article 43 of this Federal Law earlier, if within a day after receiving candidate will not submit to the DEC notification on withdrawal of his/her first nomination.
3. Self-nomination of a candidate in single-mandate electoral district shall be made within 25 days after the day of official publication of the decision to call the election of deputies of the State Duma.
5. Nomination of candidates, who are not covered by parts 2 and 4 of this Article or self-nomination of a candidates shall be supported by collected signatures of voters in the amount of at least 3 percent from the total number of voters registered at the territory of the relevant district indicated in the federal law on the approval of the scheme of single-mandate electoral districts, and if the electoral district consist of less than 100 thousand voters - at least 3 thousand signatures of voters.
Source: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April 5, 2016. (article 42, 44)
Verified: 2002/08/28
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: Members of the Federal Council are appointed.
Source: http://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/russia-new-procedure-to-form-the-parliaments-upper-chamber/
Verified: 2016/06/03
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: 1. A self–nominated candidate shall collect in his support, and a political party (except political parties mentioned in Clause 2 of this Article) shall collect in support of its candidate not less than two million voters’ signatures. At this, not more than 50 thousand signatures of voters residing in the territory of the given subject of the Russian Federation shall be collected in one subject of the Russian Federation. Not more than 50 thousand signatures of voters residing outside the territory of the Russian Federation may be collected.
Source: Federal Law on the Election of the President of the Russian Federation as amended on July 25, 2011
Verified: 2016/06/03
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
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments: 5 RUB (0.07 usd) per each vote per year.
Source: Federal Law on Political Parties as amended on April 26, 2007, art. 33.
Verified: 2016/06/03
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
a . Free media access d . Other
Comments: 1. The federal bodies of state power, bodies of state power of the subjects of the Russian Federation and bodies of local self-government shall provide support for political parties, their regional branches and other structural subdivisions on equal terms and conditions by:
a) ensuring equal terms and conditions and equal guarantees of access to state-run and municipal mass media;
b) providing state-owned and municipal premises and means of communication on equal terms and conditions similar to those under which they are provided to state and municipal institutions;
c) ensuring equal terms and conditions for participation in election campaigns, referenda, public and political events.
2. State support shall be also provided for political parties in the form of state financing in conformity with Article 33 of this Federal Law.
Source: Federal Law on Political Parties as amended on April 26, 2007, art. 32.
Verified: 2016/06/03
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
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
c . Unspecified
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/06/03
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
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/06/03
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of party contributions received b . Public disclosure of party expenditure c . Prohibition on party funding from foreign sources e . Ceilings on party election expenses h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments: The maximum amount of annual donations - 4,33 billion RUR (6,67 million USD as for June 1, 2016). For regional branches - 86,67 million RUR (1,33 million USD as for June 1, 2016).
State funding - 5 RUR (0.07 usd) per each vote per year.
The amount of expenditures of the electoral fund - from 15 to 100 million RUR (230000-1540000 USD) for parties (depends on number of voters in a district.
Source: Law: Russian Federation Federal Law on Political Parties as amended on April 26, 2007, art. 29, 33.
Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, art. 71.
Verified: 2016/06/03
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of candidate contributions received b . Public disclosure of candidate expenditure c . Prohibition on candidate funding from foreign sources e . Ceilings on candidate election expenses h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments: For candidates - not more than 40 million RUR (615000 USD) as for June 1, 2016.
Source: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, art. 71.
Verified: 2016/06/03
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management body d . Other
Comments: The Central Election Commission, regional commissions, tax authorities.
Source: Law: Russian Federation Federal Law on Political Parties as amended on April 26, 2007, art. 34-35
Verified: 2016/06/03
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties listed) d . Categorical (only one mark allowed) f . Same ballot papers used nationwide i . Party symbols in black and white m . Organized alphabetically n . Random listing (lottery) o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official q . Multilingual r . Other
Comments: 1. The procedure of production and delivery of ballots, and the procedure for exercising control over their production and delivery shall be approved by the Central Election Commission no later than 45 days before voting day.
2. To protect against forgery of ballots during their production, paper with water marks shall be used, or paper with typographically inscribed micro script and protective netting, or a special character (mark) may be used for the same purpose. The procedure for making and using special characters (marks), their number, as well as the requirements for the transfer of special characters (marks) by higher election commissions to lower election commissions shall be approved by the Central Election Commission no later than 60 days before voting day.
3. To assist visually impaired voters, by decision of the relevant election commission, special stencils for the completion of ballots shall be made, including using the relief-dot Braille. Polling stations for which such stencils shall be made shall be determined by decision of the election commission of a Russian Federation subject.
4. In order to vote in elections to the State Duma, ballots for voting in the federal electoral district and in single-mandate electoral district shall be produced, which should differ in form. The form and text of the ballot for voting in the federal electoral district in Russian, as well as the form of the ballot for voting in single-mandate electoral districts shall be approved by the Central Election Commission no later than 23 days before voting day. The text of the ballot for voting in single-mandate electoral districts in Russian shall be approved by district election commissions no later than 22 days before voting day. The text of the ballot must be placed on one side of the ballot, except in cases when the ballot for voting in the federal electoral district includes more than 20 registered federal lists of candidates, and the ballot voting in single-mandate electoral districts - more than 30 registered candidates. In these cases, the ballot paper may be produced in the form of a
114
brochure. If transparent ballot boxes are used, the form of ballot is set taking into account the need to protect the secrecy of voting, except in cases when by decision of the Central Election Commission envelopes are used for this purpose.
5. The ballot for voting in the federal electoral district shall include, in the order determined by drawing lots, the names of political parties which registered federal lists of candidates, as well as the emblems of these political parties (if they were submitted to the Central Election Commission in accordance with part 3 of Article 37 of the present Federal Law) in monochrome version. The draw shall be conducted by the Central Election Commission, with participation of authorized representatives of political parties, not later than 30 days before voting day. The number obtained by the political party as a result of the draw, shall be maintained until the end of the election campaign. Under the name of the political party, the surname, first name and patronymic of registered candidates on the federal part of a federal list of candidates shall be placed; the number of the regional group of candidates (if any) and the surname, firstname and patronymic of the first three registered candidates included in this regional group of candidates. If there is no federal part and appropriate regional group of candidates in the federal list of candidates, the ballot shall contain only the name of the political party that registered this federal list of candidates, and its emblem (if it was presented to the Central Election Commission in accordance with Part 3 of Article 37 of the present Federal Law). If there is no federal part in the federal list of candidates, the ballot shall include the name of the political party that registered this federal list of candidates, its emblem (if it was presented to the Central Election Commission in accordance with Part 3 of Article 37 of the present Federal Law), the number of the corresponding regional group of candidates and surname, first name and patronymic of the first three registered candidates included in this regional group of candidates. If more than ten federal lists of candidates are registered, by decision of the Central Election Commission the ballot shall include only names of political parties which registered federal lists of candidates, and the emblems of these political parties (if they were submitted to the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation in accordance with Part 3 of Article 37 of the present Law). In this case, the surname, first name and patronymic of the registered candidates on the federal part of the federal lists of candidates, the number of corresponding regional groups of candidates, surnames, first names and patronymics of the first three registered candidates included in these regional groups of candidates, as well as other information provided by this Article, shall be indicated in special information material, which shall be made according to the form prescribed by the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, election commission of a Russian Federation subject. This information material shall be placed in the cabin or other specially equipped place for secret voting and (or) on the information board referred to in part 3 of Article 78 of the present Federal Law.
6. An empty square shall be placed to the right of the name of each political party or under the name of each political party and information about the registered candidates included in the corresponding regional group of candidates (if any).
7. In the ballot for voting in a single-mandate electoral district the surnames of registered candidates shall be placed in alphabetical order, while the ballot shall contain the following information about each of the registered candidates.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, as amended of April, 5, 2016, article 79.
Verified: 2016/06/16
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments: The Council of the Federation includes two representatives from each subject of the Russian Federation: one from the legislative and one from the executive body of state authority.
Source: The Constitution of the Russian Federation (article 95)
Verified: 2016/06/06
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed) d . Categorical (only possible to make one mark) f . Same ballot papers used nation-wide m . Organized alphabetically o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station officials q . Multilingual r . Other
Comments: 12. The polling station shall be fitted out so that the places where ballots are issued, the places for secret voting and the ballot boxes are all located in the field of vision of members of the precinct election commission, observers.
Article 67. Ballot
1. Ballots shall be documents of strict accountability. Numbering of ballots shall not be allowed. The procedure for the printing of ballots, their quantity shall be established by the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation not later than 32 days before voting day.
2. The form and the Russian text of the ballot shall be approved by the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation not later than 32 days before voting day. The text shall be printed only on one side of the ballot. In the event of the repeat voting the text of the ballot and the quantity of the ballots shall be established by the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation when the decision to hold the repeat voting is taken.
3. Ballots shall be produced with the use of special paper (paper with water marks or colored paper) or special paint. A ballot blank shall be provided with a micro-inscription or a protective grid printed thereon.
4. The surnames of registered candidates shall be arranged in the ballot in the alphabetical order; the ballot shall indicate the following information about each registered candidate:
1) the surname, first name and patronymic;
2) year of birth;
3) place of residence (name of the Subject of the Russian Federation, raion, city, other populated center);
4) the main place of work or service, position (occupation if there is no main place of work or service). If a candidate is a deputy and exercises his powers on a non-permanent basis, this fact and the name of the representative body;
5) if a candidate was nominated by a political party, an electoral bloc, the words "Nominated by the political party (electoral bloc)" and the abbreviated name of the political party, electoral bloc;
6) if a candidate nominated his candidature himself, the word "self-nominated";
7) if a candidate is registered on the basis of voter signatures the words "registered on the basis of voter signatures";
5. A blank box shall be placed to the right of the data of each registered candidate. A line reading "Against all candidates" with a blank box to the right thereof shall be placed at the end of the list of registered candidates.
6. If a registered candidate has a conviction that has not expired or has not been cancelled, the ballot shall indicate the information about his conviction. If a registered candidate has Russian Federation citizenship and foreign citizenship, the ballot shall indicate this fact and the name of the corresponding foreign state. The information about convictions and foreign citizenship shall be indicated in the ballot on the basis of the documents which were submitted to the election commission before approval of the text of the ballot.
7. Each ballot shall contain marking instructions.
8. Ballots shall be printed in the Russian language. Subject to a decision of the election commission of a Subject of the Russian Federation, ballots may be printed in the Russian language and in the official language of the given Subject of the Russian Federation, and, in the necessary cases, in the languages of the peoples of the Russian Federation on the territories where they are concentrated. If ballots for an electoral precinct are printed in two or more languages, the text in the Russian language shall be printed on each ballot. The text of such ballot in the official language of the Subject of the Russian Federation and in the languages of peoples of the Russian Federation shall be approved by the election commission of the Subject of the Russian Federation not later than 27 days before voting day.
Source: Federal Law ”On the Election of the President of the Russian Federation” (article 67)
Verified: 2016/06/06
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
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
b . Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box c . Tally of voters who voted d . Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters e . Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused) f . Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud o . Data fed into computer for calculation p . Copies of results of the count are publicly posted at the counting site immediately on the completion of the count q . Copies of results are provided to observers
Comments: Detailed information about the whole process is provided in Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, article 85.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, article 85.
Verified: 2016/06/06
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
c . District level
Comments: 12. The first copies of the protocols of territorial election commission on voting results, after they are signed by all present voting members of the territorial election commission, together with the annexed documents and protocols of precinct election commissions on voting results, shall be immediately sent to the district election commission. Protocols of the territorial election commission on voting results, the annexed documents and protocols of precinct election commissions on voting results sent to the higher election commission, may not be returned to the territorial election commission.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, articles 86.
Verified: 2016/06/06
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
b . District level d . National level
Comments: b) Concerning single-member districts
Based on the data of the protocols of voting returns, including the data transmitted via technical communication channels from precinct election commissions set up in the electoral precincts on ships at sea, at polar stations, in remote and hard-to-reach areas or outside the territory of the Russian Federation, after making sure that the protocols have been drawn up correctly, a territorial election commission shall tabulate the voting returns for the given territory by adding up all data contained in the protocols not later than two days after voting day. The data contained in the protocols of precinct election commissions shall be added up directly by the voting members of the territorial election commission. This may be witnessed by the persons indicated in Clause 5 Article 29 of this Federal Law.
d) Concerning the federal list.
Source: Federal Law on the Election of Deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Chapter X, article 78(1)
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported b . By telephone d . Telex/Telegraph f . By computer
Comments: Detailed information is provided in Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, articles 86, 87, 93, 94.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, articles 86, 87, 93, 94.
Verified: 2016/06/06
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
f . Certificate of result
Comments: The first copies of protocols of the election commission on voting results, after the signing by all present members of the election commission with a decisive vote and issuance of certified copies to the persons entitled to receive such copies, shall be immediately sent to the respective election commission of the higher level and may not be returned to the election commission.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, articles 85, 86, 87.
Verified: 2016/06/06
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
e . Accompanied by election officials g . Accompanied by military personnel
Comments:
Source: Mr. Evgeny I. Kolushin- Member of the Central Election Commission.
Tel.:+373-2-232-597
Verified: 2016/06/06
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
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: Results are not automatically recounted.
Source:
Verified: 2016/06/06
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
b . An individual candidate c . Election officials d . Domestic observers f . Other
Comments: As well as court.
Source:
Verified: 2016/06/06
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
a . National Election Management body b . Regional Election Management body c . Local Election Management body
Comments: Detailed information is provided in Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, article 85, 86, 87.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, articles 85, 86, 87.
Verified: 2016/06/06
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 2. The Central Election Commission, district election commissions shall provide preliminary data on election results to the State Duma to representatives of mass media as these data are received by the respective election commission.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, articles 85, 86, 87.
Tel.:+373-2-232-597
Verified: 2016/06/06
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 1. The Central Election Commission on the basis of its protocol on the election results in the federal electoral district, its decision on election results in the federal electoral district, as well as on the basis of the protocols and decisions of district election commissions on election results in single-mandate electoral districts, not later than two weeks after voting day, shall establish the general election results of deputies to the State Duma.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, article 90.
Verified: 2016/06/06
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
c . weeks:
Comments: 1. The Central Election Commission on the basis of its protocol on the election results in the federal electoral district, its decision on election results in the federal electoral district, as well as on the basis of the protocols and decisions of district election commissions on election results in single-mandate electoral districts, not later than two weeks after voting day, shall establish the general election results of deputies to the State Duma.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, article 90.
Verified: 2016/06/06
Media and Elections
ME002
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned d . Owned by political parties
Comments: 2 state-run national radio networks with a third majority-owned by Gazprom; roughly 2,400 public and commercial radio stations
Source: CIA Factbook (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME003
Question: Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: 13 national TV stations with the federal government owning 1 and holding a controlling interest in a second; state-owned Gazprom maintains a controlling interest in 2 of the national channels; government-affiliated Bank Rossiya owns controlling interest in a fourth and fifth, while a sixth national channel is owned by the Moscow city administration; the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian military, respectively, own 2 additional national channels; roughly 3,300 national, regional, and local TV stations with over two-thirds completely or partially controlled by the federal or local governments; satellite TV services are available.
Source: CIA Factbook (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME004
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned d . Owned by political parties
Comments: Public, private (with less than 20% of foreign capital, religious, military etc.
Source:
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME005
Question: Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
Answer:
c . Competition exists between government newspaper and at least one private newspaper
Comments: Rob Coalson, a former Russian Studies instructor at Cornell who heads the National Press Institute’s business development department, says there are no more than five independent daily newspapers in Russia financed by advertising revenues, excluding oligarch owned national newspapers. Press observers at the U.S. embassy in Moscow and the U.S. consulate in Ekaterinburg agree.
Source: "Russia’s Dysfunctional Media Culture"
By Herman J. Obermayer
http://www.policyreview.org/aug00/Obermayer_print.html
Verified: 2005/03/20
ME006
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
Answer:
b . 30% to 60%
Comments:
Source: http://countrystudies.us/russia/75.htm
Verified: 2005/03/20
ME008
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?
Answer:
b . 30 to 60%
Comments:
Source: http://countrystudies.us/russia/75.htm
Verified: 2005/03/20
ME009
Question: In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
Answer(s):
b . Private radio d . Private television
Comments: Dozhd (Russian: Дождь, lit. 'Rain', also known as TV Rain) is a Russian independent television channel.
Source:
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME014
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source: http:/www.russiansabroad.com/russian_history_280htm
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME015
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?
Answer:
b . 30% to 60%
Comments:
Source: http:/countrystudies.us/russia/75.htm
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME016
Question: In your opinion, upon which types of media at national level in your country do citizens most rely as a source of information? Mark the most important source with 1, and the second most important source with 2:
Answer(s):
d . Public television f . Private television
Comments: Public television is the most important source of the information. The majority of the shares in the top four Tv channels are still property of the state. For example the largest network (ORT) that reaches 200 million people is 51% state-owned.
The second most important source of the information is the private television.
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME017
Question: In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
Answer(s):
d . Private television e . Print media
Comments: In my opinion the private television and some gazettes have such a reputation but it is very difficult to judge.
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
a . Government
Comments: Media are licensed by the state federal body.
Source: Federal Law "On Mass Media", Art.31
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: Russian legal entities
Source: Federal Law "On Mass Media", Art.2.
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME023
Question: Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Sergei Reznik
Source: https://cpj.org/2015/01/imprisoned-russian-journalist-sentenced-to-new-thr.php
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME024
Question: What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Law
Comments:
Source: Federal Law: "On Mass Media" as amended on April 5, 2016.
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.
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME025
Question: Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
c . Government d . Legislature g . EMB by law or regulations
Comments: 3. Mass media representatives shall be accredited in the manner prescribed by the Central election commission of the Russian Federation or on behalf of the election commission of a Russian Federation subject in order to exercise the powers
Source: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, articles 35, 61
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME026
Question: What form does the responsibility, if any, of the EMB to regulate media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
d . Other (specify)
Comments: More detailed information is provided in the Article 61.
Source: 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, article 61.
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: d) implement measures aimed at ensuring a uniform procedure for allocation of air time and space in print media between registered candidates, election associations for the purposes of election campaigning, between the referendum initiative group and other groups of referendum participants for the purposes of campaigning on questions of the referendum, establishment of results of voting, referenda, and the procedure of publication of the results of voting and election, referenda, including information-telecommunication network “Internet”;(as amended by the Federal Laws of July 21, 2005, No.93-FZ, of July 11, 2011, No.200-FZ)
Source: 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, article 21.
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME028
Question: What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
c . Other (specify)
Comments: 9. Election commissions shall ensure that the rules of election campaign are complied with and, in the case of breach, shall take countermeasures. Should false printed, audio-visual or other campaign materials be distributed, or should such distribution be in breach of Article 68 of this Federal Law, or should media outlets violate the order of election campaign, the respective election commission shall request law enforcement bodies, a court, a federal body for control over mass media to stop the unlawful campaign activities, seize the unlawful campaign materials and to institute proceedings against media outlets and their officials as well as other persons in line with the law of the Russian Federation.
Source: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, articles 35, 61
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME029
Question: Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 10. Appeals of decisions and actions (inaction) that violate electoral rights of citizens and the right of citizens to participate in a referendum may be submitted by voters, referendum participants, candidates, their attorneys, election associations and their attorneys, other public associations, a referendum initiative group and its authorized representatives, observers, and commissions.
Source: Federal Law: "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum" (as amended by the Federal Laws of July 7, 2004, No.46-FZ, of July 21, 2005, No,93-FZ), article 75
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME030
Question: What is the legal liability of the media if they report unlawful statements by candidates during election campaigns (e.g. defamatory or inflammatory speeches)?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal prosecution b . Administrative sanction
Comments:
Source: The Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, article 128.1 (defamation).
The Code Of Administrative Offences Of The Russian Federation (article 5.5).
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME031
Question: Have the media or journalists' organisations adopted a code of ethics specific to elections? Please send us a copy.
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: In 1999 media-community accepted a code of ethics in connection with the Duma Elections. But only very few journalists joint it.
Source: Central Election Commission of Russian Federation
e-mail: [email protected]
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME032
Question: If so, how well do you perceive this code of ethics to be respected?
Answer(s):
b . Usually respected
Comments: Usually respected by those who joint this code of ethics.
Source: Central Election Commission of Russian Federation
e-mail: [email protected]
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME033
Question: Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
Answer:
a . EMB
Comments: 9. The Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation shall:
d) implement measures aimed at ensuring a uniform procedure for allocation of air time and space in print media between registered candidates, election associations for the purposes of election campaigning, between the referendum initiative group and other groups of referendum participants for the purposes of campaigning on questions of the referendum, establishment of results of voting, referenda, and the procedure of publication of the results of voting and election, referenda, including information-telecommunication network “Internet”.
Source: Federal Law: "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum" (as amended by the Federal Laws of July 7, 2004, No.46-FZ, of July 21, 2005, No,93-FZ), article 21
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME034
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: ad a) each of the medium has to provide registered candidates/ political parties with at least 60 minutes air time.
ad c) must be founded at least 1 year prior to the elections.
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 50.(4); 51.(3).
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME035
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments: Publicly owned. More detailed information about the amount of time and other provisions - Articles 50, 51.
Source: Federal Law: "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum" (as amended by the Federal Laws of July 7, 2004, No.46-FZ, of July 21, 2005, No,93-FZ), articles 50 and 51.
Verified: 2016/06/06
ME036
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide political parties with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments: Publicly owned. More detailed information about the amount of time and other provisions - Articles 50, 51.
Source: Federal Law: "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum" (as amended by the Federal Laws of July 7, 2004, No.46-FZ, of July 21, 2005, No,93-FZ), articles 50 and 51.
Verified: 2016/06/06
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
ME039
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
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 as amended on April, 5, 2016, art. 65.
Verified: 2016/06/07
ME040
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
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 as amended on April, 5, 2016, art. 65.
Verified: 2016/06/07
ME041
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspaper provide individual candidates (legislative) with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments: 1. Political parties are entitled to free print space in, respectively, nation-wide state-owned print periodicals, which published with a periodicity of less than once a week, on the following conditions: offered print space shall have the same amount, place in the column, the same font size and other equal conditions.
Source: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, art. 66.
Verified: 2016/06/07
ME042
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance
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 as amended on April, 5, 2016, art. 65.
Verified: 2016/06/07
ME043
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: 16. State TV and radio broadcasting organization shall reserve paid air time for election campaigning of political parties and candidates. The total amount of paid airtime, reserved by each nationwide broadcasting organization may not be less than the total amount of air time provided free of charge, but should not exceed it more than two times. The total amount of paid air time reserved by each regional broadcasting organization may not be less than the total amount of air time provided free of charge, but should not exceed it more than four times.
90
17. Every political party shall have the right to get airtime for a charge from the total amount by reserved nationwide broadcasting public organization in the amount not less than number obtained by dividing the total amount of reserved airtime by the total number of political parties. Each political party is entitled for a fee to get air time from the total amount reserved by regional public broadcasting organizations in the amount not less than the number obtained by dividing the half of the total amount of reserved airtime by the total number of political parties. Each registered candidate shall be entitled for a fee to get air time from the total amount in the amount not less than the number obtained by dividing the remaining half of the total reserved regional state broadcasting organization airtime by the total number of candidates.
18. Paid airtime provided public broadcasting organization in the period established by part 2 of Article 63 of this federal law. Dates and time of joint campaign events are determined in accordance with the draw, which holds by broadcasting organizations with the participation of interested stockholders on the basis of written applications for participation in the draw submitted by the authorized representatives of political parties and candidates. The draw is carried out within the period specified in part 14 of this Article.
19. Municipal TV and radio broadcasting organizations, on the conditions specified by part 14 of Article 64 of this Federal Law shall provide the political parties and candidates with paid air time for election campaigning. The total amount of airtime determines by the municipal organization of broadcasting. Dates and time of the broadcast of joint campaign activities and of each political party, each registered candidate shall be determined in accordance with the draw, which holds by the municipal organization of broadcasting with stakeholders on the basis of written applications for participation in the draw submitted by the authorized representatives of political parties and candidates. The draw is carried out within the period specified in part 14 of this Article.
22. Non-state-owned broadcasting organizations, provided the conditions set forth in part 14 of Article 64 of this Federal Law have been fulfilled, shall be obliged to offer air time for election campaign to political parties and registered candidates on equal terms. In the event non-state-owned broadcasting organizations should fail to fulfil the requirements set forth in part 14 of Article 57 of this Federal Law, they shall not be entitled to offer political parties and registered candidates air time for election campaign.
Source: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April, 5, 2016, art. 65.
Verified: 2016/06/07
ME044
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 51.(6),(8);
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME045
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide individual candidates (legislative) with printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments: Also the privately owned media. But the latest have right to deny publication of campaign matherials.
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 52.
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME046
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: The law establishes the general maximum air time/ advertisement place, that can be allocated for the fee. It shall not exceed the double amount of the air time/advertisement place allocated for free.
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 51.(6).
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME047
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments: "Publicly owned" includes the state owned and local government- owned stations.
Source: Act on Election of the President of Russian Federation of 2003. N19/F3.Art. 1-7.
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME048
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments: "Publicly owned" includes state owned and local government owned television stations.
Source: Act on Election of the President of Russian Federation of 2003. N19/F3.Art. 1-7.
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME049
Question: Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments: "Publicly owned" includes state owned and local government-owned newspapers.
Source: Act on Election of the President of Russian Federation of 2003. N19/F3.Art. 1-7.
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME050
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidate's party
Comments:
Source: Act on Election of the President of Russian Federation of 2003. N19/F3. Art. 51.(1).
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME051
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Act on Election of the President of Russian Federation of 2003. N19/F3. Art.51.(6),(7).
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME052
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Act on Election of the President of Russian Federation of 2003. N19/F3. Art.51.(6),(7).
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME053
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Act on Election of the President of Russian Federation of 2003. N19/F3. Art.51.(6),(7).
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME054
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidate's party
Comments:
Source: Act on Election of the President of Russian Federation of 2003. N19/F3. Art.51.(8).
Verified: 2005/03/28
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
ME061
Question: Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?
Answer(s):
a . Person or agency that commissioned the opinion poll c . Characteristics of the sample d . Size of the sample e . Margin of error f . Other
Comments: ad f) name of the agency that conducted the opinion poll; methodology of information collecting; exact question asked during the inquiry.
Source: Act on Election of the President of Russian Federation of 2003. N19/F3.Art. 47.(2).
Federal Act on Election of Deputies of State Duma of Russian Federation of 2002. N175/F3.Art.55.(2).
Verified: 2005/03/29
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
ME063
Question: Where, if at all, may exit polls be carried out?
Answer(s):
c . Not permitted
Comments:
Source: Act on Election of the President of Russian Federation of 2003. N19/F3.Art. 47.(3).
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME064
Question: If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME065
Question: When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
Answer:
b . After all polls close, before official results are available
Comments:
Source: Central Election Commission
e-mail: [email protected]
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME066
Question: Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: CEntral Election Commission
e-mail: [email protected]
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME067
Question: What resources does the EMB have for its work with the media?
Answer(s):
c . A commissioner with responsibility for media work
Comments: Mr. Vladimir Ivanovich Lisinko
Source: www.cikrf.ru
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME068
Question: Have staff responsible for media relations received training for this work?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Central Election Commission
[email protected]
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME069
Question: Which of the following has the EMB produced or organised?
Answer(s):
c . Press conferences/briefings
Comments:
Source: Central Election Commission
e-mai: [email protected]
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME070
Question: Has the EMB provided or facilitated training for journalists in how the electoral process works?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: http://www.cikrf.ru/rcoit/default.htm
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME071
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations, provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Federal Act on Mass Media, No.2124-1 of 1991. Art.35.
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME072
Question: Which of the following television stations provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Federal Act on Mass Media, No.2124-1 of 1991. Art.35.
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME073
Question: Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide free print space to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Federal Act on Mass Media, No.2124-1 of 1991. Art.35.
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME074
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: http://www.cikrf.ru/rcoit/default.htm
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME075
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: http://www.cikrf.ru/rcoit/default.htm
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME076
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide paid broadcast time or print space to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: http://www.cikrf.ru/rcoit/default.htm
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME077
Question: What steps does the EMB take to make sure that it is communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
d . It monitors the media coverage of its own activities. f . Other
Comments: Russian Centre on Studies of Electoral Technologies is founded by Central Election Commission. This non-governmental organization among the others is responsible for effective communication between the CEC and media.
Source: Central Election Commission
e-mail: [email protected]
www.cikrf.ru
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME078
Question: Which of the following do you judge to be significant barriers to the EMB in communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
c . Cost of paid advertising limiting dissemination of voter education messages
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/28
ME079
Question: Overall, how effective do you judge the EMB's ability to communicate through the media during election campaigns to be?
Answer:
b . Quite effective
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/28
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
DD008
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: -Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3.
-Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 .
Verified: 2005/03/31
DD009
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: -Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3.
-Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 .
Verified: 2005/03/31
DD010
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: -Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3.
-Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 .
Verified: 2005/03/31
DD100
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD101
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD102
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
Answer:
b . Sample of signatures checked
Comments: At least 40% of the minimum required number of signatures (2 000 000) has to be checked.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .19.(4)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD103
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
b . Sample of signatures checked
Comments: At least 40% of the minimum required number of signatures (2 000 000) has to be checked.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .17.(2)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD104
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD105
Question: Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
Answer(s):
a . Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments:
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .19.
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD106
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
a . Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments: Russian Centre on Studies of Electoral Technics. This is a non-governmental organization, established by the Central Election Commission.
Source: http://www.cikrf.ru/rcoit/default.htm
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD107
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms f . Other (specify)
Comments: Russian Centre on Studies of Electoral Technics. This is a non-governmental organization, established by the Central Election Commission.
Source: http://www.cikrf.ru/rcoit/default.htm
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD108
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD109
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
Answer(s):
a . Information booklets c . Radio broadcasts d . TV broadcasts e . Press advertisements
Comments:
Source: http://www.cikrf.ru/rcoit/default.htm
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD011
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/13
DD110
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Information booklets c . Radio broadcasts d . TV broadcasts e . Press advertisements
Comments:
Source: http://www.cikrf.ru/rcoit/default.htm
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD111
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD112
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
b . Expenditure limits c . Contribution limits d . Restrictions on the sources of contributions e . Disclosure requirements f . Other (please specify)
Comments: ad b) 250 million rubels,
ad c) the law specifies it(for example: contribution of the members of initiative group shall not exceed 1% of the maximum total sum; contribution of the political party can not exceed 50% of the maximum total sum);
ad d) law contains exhaustive list (for example: governmental institutions, foreign states, anonimous persons can not contribute
ad f)only money from the funds of the initiative and agitative groups can be used for the campaigning purpuses
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .Art.48.(4,(5),(9); (52).
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD113
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Compulsory registration of campaigners and campaign groups b . Expenditure limits c . Contribution limits d . Restrictions on the sources of contributions e . Disclosure requirements f . Other (please specify)
Comments: ad b) 250 million rubels,
ad c) the law specifies it(for example: contribution of the members of initiative group shall not exceed 1% of the maximum total sum; contribution of the political party can not exceed 50% of the maximum total sum);
ad d) law contains exhaustive list (for example: governmental institutions, foreign states, anonimous persons can not contribute
ad f)only money from the funds of the initiative and agitative groups can be used for the campaigning purpuses
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .Art.48.(4,(5),(9); (52).
On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. No 67/ F3 Art.42.(2)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD114
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD115
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: Representative of the referendum fund who is responsible for the book-keeping and disclosure of the expenditures shall hold his office until the 70 (seventy) days period (commencing with the day of voting)ends.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .Art.49.(5).
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD116
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: Representative of the initiative group who is responsible for the book-keeping and disclosure of the expenditures shall hold his office from the registration of the initiative group until the 70 (seventy) days period (commencing with the day of voting)ends.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .Art.49.(5).
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD117
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD118
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
c . All campaign organisations
Comments:
Source: On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. No 67/ F3
Art.51.(1)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD119
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
b . Selected campaign organisations
Comments: Only those campaigners whose candidates' lists participated in distribution of the mandates on the last elections.
Source: On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. No 67/ F3 Art. 51.(2)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD012
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/13
DD120
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD121
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
b . Free media access
Comments:
Source: On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. No 67/ F3 Art. 51.
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD122
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
b . Free media access
Comments:
Source: On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. No 67/ F3 Art. 51.
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD123
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD125
Question: Is the government permitted to campaign either in favour of or against any specific outcome to a referendum, initiatives or recall vote?
Answer(s):
b . No
Comments: Government is not permitted but the political parties, even the ruling one are permitted to it.
Source: On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. No 67/ F3 Art.42.
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD015
Question: Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission
Comments: ad B) Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 20. (12);
Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.10..
Verified: 2005/03/13
DD016
Question: Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Federal Act on Election of Deputies of State Duma of Russian Federation of 2002. N175/F3.;
Act on Election of the President of Russian Federation of 2003. N19/F3.
Verified: 2005/03/13
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: Theoretically it is possible according to the Constitution and federal acts, but if it is also practically possible or not it depends on legal acts of the specific Subject.
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 12.(2)
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 12.(2).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 12.(2).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/31
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: It is permitted by the federal acts but the concrete use of it depends on the specific municipal statutes.
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 12.(3).
Constitution of 12th December 1993, Art. 130.(2).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 12.(3).
Constitution of 12th December 1993, Art. 130.(2).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 12.(3).
Constitution of 12th December 1993, Art. 130.(2).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
b . Adoption of international treaties j . Other (specify)
Comments: International treaties of the Russian Referendum declare the need of referendum, in most cases it is affirmation of the specific treaty.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art. 6. (2, (11).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments j . Other (specify)
Comments: ad A) The Constitutional Assembly decides if the amendment of the Constitution should be put on the popular vote or not.
ad J) At first issues that come under solely Russian Federation and at second under joint competence of regions and Russian Federation can be put to referendum.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.6. (1); (4).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
g . Civil service h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments i . Other public policy issues j . Other (specify)
Comments: ad I) preliminary recall of the President of Russian Federation, Duma or Federal Assembly.Untimely election of the authorities mentioned before.
ad J)
- alteration of the status of the Subject stipulated by the Constitution;
- amnesty;
- adoption of urgent and irregular rules concerning health-policy or security issues.
The question put on the referendum can not diminish human or civil rights
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.6.(5).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD030
Question: Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Other (specify)
Comments: Any issue that comes under Subject's competence or the joint competence of the Subject and Russian Federation, in case the issue in question is not regulated by the Constitution or any federal act.
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 12. (2).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
f . Other (specify)
Comments: ad F)
- Constitutional Assembly;
- Federal authority in cases determined in the internatinal treaty.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.14. (1) ; (3).
Constitution of the Russian Federation of December 1993, Art. 135. (3)
Verified: 2005/03/31
DD032
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
f . Other (specify who)
Comments: Federal authority determined in the international treaty.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art. 22. (1)
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD033
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
f . Other (specify who)
Comments: ad F) Constitutional Assembly.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art. 10.(7); 21.
Verified: 2005/03/31
DD034
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
c . An explanatory text e . Other (specify)
Comments: ad E) In case there are several referendum questions they can be eather included in the same ballot and separated by horisontal lines or bestowed to separate ballot papers.
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 70. (3-4).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD035
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
c . An explanatory text e . Other (specify)
Comments: ad E) In case there are several referendum questions they can be eather included in the same ballot and separated by horisontal lines or bestowed to separate ballot papers.
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 70.(3-4).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD036
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission
Comments: Central Election Commission formally confirms the final form and text of the ballot on Russian language. The Subject Election Commission confirms it on other language (Subject's official language)
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 70.(1).
Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.30.(14)
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD037
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission
Comments: Central Election Commission formally confirms the final form and text of the ballot on Russian language. The Subject Election Commission confirms it on other language (Subject's official language).
Source: Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3. Art. 70.(1).
Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.30.(14).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments:
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.80.(7).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments:
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.80.(7).
Verified: 2005/03/19
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments:
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.83.(2).
Verified: 2016/06/09
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments:
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.83.(2).
Verified: 2016/06/09
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
b . Legislative proposals c . Other (specify)
Comments: Detailed information is provided in Article 6 of the Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 .
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.6.
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments g . Civil service h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments i . Other public policy issues
Comments: - Change of the status of the Subject determined by the Constitution;
- Amnesty
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.6.(5).
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
a . A number of individuals b . Registered committee/organisation
Comments: Registration of the citizens' initiative shall be launched by the "initiative group" that consist of appropriate number of regional sub-groups registered by the Subject's Election Commission. Upon the registration members of the sub-regional groups shall collect in 45 days period 2 000 000 signatures of the registered voters in order the initiative to be carried out.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.14.(1); 15.(10),(19); 17.(2).
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD050
Question: Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
a . Proposed title c . Full proposed text d . Other (specify)
Comments: The initiative group shall submit the following documents to be registered:
1.formulation of the question;
2.list of the Subjects where the sub-regional groups were registered;
3. decision of rhe Subject Election Commissions on registration of the sub-regional groups;
4.minutes on the meeting of the sub-regional groups' representatives;
5.power of attorney for the initiative group's members.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.15.(21).
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD052
Question: Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Proponents of the initiative
Comments:
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.15.(21).
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD054
Question: Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD055
Question: Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD056
Question: Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
Answer(s):
a . An automatic check is part of the initiative process
Comments: President of the Russian Federational upon the acquisition of the documents from the Central Election Commission shall forward them to the Constitutional Court, that checks if the initiative is consistent with the Constitutional regulations.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.23.(1-2).
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD057
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
Answer(s):
f . Other (specify)
Comments: Constitutional Court
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.23.(1-2).
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD058
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
Answer(s):
c . After its submission but before the vote on the initiative
Comments: After the controll and approval of the signatures collected Central Election Commission shall send all the documents to the President of the Russian Federation, who shall forward them in 10 days period to the Constitutional Court for the constitutionality check.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.23.(1).
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD059
Question: Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD060
Question: At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
Answer(s):
d . Not at all
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD061
Question: What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD062
Question: When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD063
Question: Who decides the final ballot text?
Answer(s):
a . Proponents of the initiative
Comments: Formulation of the question is task of the initiative group.Central Election Commission shall confirm the form and the text of the ballot.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.15.(21); 30.(14).
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD064
Question: Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
Answer:
a . Within a certain time limit (specify)
Comments: President of the Russian Federation in 15 (fifteen) days period upon acquisition of the Constitutional Court's resolution shall decide on the day of the vote.
It shall not take place earlier than 60 (sixty) and shall not take place later than 100 (one hundred) days upon the announcement of the day of vote.
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.23.(2).
Verified: 2005/03/26
DD076
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: 45 (forty-five) days
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .Art.17.
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD077
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: 45 (forty-five) days
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .Art.17.
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD078
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: 45 (forty-five) days
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .Art.17.
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD079
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD080
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
b . Signatories must be registered electors in a specific electoral district
Comments:
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .Art.17.(5)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD081
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
b . Signatories must be registered electors in a specific electoral district
Comments:
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .Art.17.(5)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD082
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
b . Signatories must be registered electors in a specific electoral district
Comments:
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .Art.17.(5)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD083
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD085
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD087
Question: Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere
Comments: Within the territory of the Subject, regarding that according to the law no more than 50 000 signatures can be collecten within one Subject
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .Art.17.(3-4)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD088
Question: Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere
Comments: Within the territory of the Subject, regarding that according to the law no more than 50 000 signatures can be collecten within one Subject
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .Art.17.(3-4)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD089
Question: Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere
Comments: Within the territory of the Subject, regarding that according to the law no more than 50 000 signatures can be collecten within one Subject
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .Art.17.(3-4)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD090
Question: Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD091
Question: Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD092
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
a . Signatories must provide identity/voting card number c . Other (specify)
Comments: Name of the signatory; date of birth; address; date of signing
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .17.(5)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD093
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
a . Signatories must provide identity/voting card number c . Other (specify)
Comments: Name of the signatory; date of birth; address; date of signing
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .17.(5)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD094
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Signatories must provide identity/voting card number c . Other (specify)
Comments: Name of the signatory; date of birth; address; date of signing
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .17.(5)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD095
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD096
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD097
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments: Signature collector has to be registered with the respective Subject Election Commission
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .17.(3)
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD098
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments: Signature collector has to be registered with the respective Subject Election Commission
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .17.(3).
Verified: 2005/03/30
DD099
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments: Signature collector has to be registered with the respective Subject Election Commission
Source: Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. No 5/FK .17.(3)
Verified: 2005/03/30
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
VO001
Question: Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
Answer:
k . 0%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/06/03
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There is no separate act that regulates conduct of election officials but such rules are laid down in all acts connected with elections.
Source: Mr. Evgeny I. Kolushin- Member of the Central Election Commission.
Tel.:+373-2-232-597
Verified: 2016/06/03
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
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
b . Yes
Comments: 1. Election commissions of a Russian Federation subject may authorize the holding of early (but no earlier than 20 days before voting day) voting of all voters in one or more polling stations established in inaccessible or remote areas, on vessels that will be at sea on the voting day, at polar stations. The Central Election Commission may authorize the holding of early (but no earlier than 15 days before the voting day) voting of all voters in one or more polling stations established outside the territory of the Russian Federation. In these cases, early voting shall be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Article 81 of the present Federal Law. Counting of votes and establishing voting results shall be carried out immediately after the end of early voting in accordance with the requirements of Article 85 of the present Federal Law.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April 5, 2016 (article 82)
Verified: 2016/06/03
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
a . At special advance polling centers e . Other
Comments: 1. Election commissions of a Russian Federation subject may authorize the holding of early (but no earlier than 20 days before voting day) voting of all voters in one or more polling stations established in inaccessible or remote areas, on vessels that will be at sea on the voting day, at polar stations. The Central Election Commission may authorize the holding of early (but no earlier than 15 days before the voting day) voting of all voters in one or more polling stations established outside the territory of the Russian Federation. In these cases, early voting shall be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Article 81 of the present Federal Law. Counting of votes and establishing voting results shall be carried out immediately after the end of early voting in accordance with the requirements of Article 85 of the present Federal Law.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April 5, 2016 (article 82)
Verified: 2016/06/03
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
c . People in remote areas f . Other
Comments: 1. Election commissions of a Russian Federation subject may authorize the holding of early (but no earlier than 20 days before voting day) voting of all voters in one or more polling stations established in inaccessible or remote areas, on vessels that will be at sea on the voting day, at polar stations. The Central Election Commission may authorize the holding of early (but no earlier than 15 days before the voting day) voting of all voters in one or more polling stations established outside the territory of the Russian Federation. In these cases, early voting shall be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Article 81 of the present Federal Law. Counting of votes and establishing voting results shall be carried out immediately after the end of early voting in accordance with the requirements of Article 85 of the present Federal Law.
Source: Electoral Law: Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as amended on April 5, 2016 (article 82)
Verified: 2016/06/03
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 2. Election precincts, referendum precincts shall be formed by the head of a municipal formation in coordination with commissions by the head of local administration of municipal formation, urban district, city territory of the federal city, and in cases stipulated by the law of the subject of the Russian Federation – federal city – by the head of territorial body of executive power of the federal city, and at election to body of local self-government of an urban settlement, excluding urban district, or rural settlement (hereinafter urban settlement except urban district and rural settlement are referred to as settlement) – by the head of local administration of settlement or persons indicated in Clauses 3 and 6 of this Article, corresponding commission in the order stipulated by Clause 5 of this Article on the basis of the data on the number of voters, referendum participants registered in the territory of the election precinct, referendum precinct in accordance with Clause 10, Article 16 of this Federal Law, with not more than 3 thousand voters, referendum participants per precinct. Election precincts, referendum precincts shall be formed not later than in 45 days prior to the voting day. (as amended by the Federal Law of July 21, 2005, No.93-FZ)
Source: 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 July 25, 2011. (article 19)
Verified: 2016/06/03
VO010
Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
2. Election precincts, referendum precincts shall be formed by the head of a municipal formation in coordination with commissions by the head of local administration of municipal formation, urban district, city territory of the federal city, and in cases stipulated by the law of the subject of the Russian Federation – federal city – by the head of territorial body of executive power of the federal city, and at election to body of local self-government of an urban settlement, excluding urban district, or rural settlement (hereinafter urban settlement except urban district and rural settlement are referred to as settlement) – by the head of local administration of settlement or persons indicated in Clauses 3 and 6 of this Article, corresponding commission in the order stipulated by Clause 5 of this Article on the basis of the data on the number of voters, referendum participants registered in the territory of the election precinct, referendum precinct in accordance with Clause 10, Article 16 of this Federal Law, with not more than 3 thousand voters, referendum participants per precinct. Election precincts, referendum precincts shall be formed not later than in 45 days prior to the voting day. (as amended by the Federal Law of July 21, 2005, No.93-FZ)
Source
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 July 25, 2011. (article 19)
Verified
2016/06/16
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
VO012
How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
Less than 1001 voters - 3-9 members
1001-2000 - 7-12 members
More than 2000 - 7-16 members
Source
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. (article 27)
Verified
2016/06/03
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