All news

Russians not interested in new political parties

The attitude to parties approximates the attitude to cars: many call for having new models around, but are not ready to buy them

The major part of Russians is opposed to the multi-party system, the Public Opinion Fund (FOM) said. Even the minority, who call for setting up new parties, is not ready to vote for them. Experts believe four parties will dominate in the country until the next parliamentary elections. These parties are currently represented in the Russian parliament.

More than half of those polled steadily objected to the emergence of new parties, the Kommersant writes. Their number has increased to 54% from 53% in January, FOM director Alexander Oslon told a news conference. The share of those who believe the country needs new parties has been growing: in January, pluralism was important for 13% of respondents against 24% presently. However, just 2% said they would vote for new party. "The attitude to parties approximates the attitude to cars," Oslon said. - "Many call for having new models around, but are not ready to buy them."

This thesis was confirmed by Moscow voters who were asked to name the party they would vote for if the city authorities’ election were to take place next Sunday. Aside from the parties represented at the State Duma, FOM put on the list 11 new organizations, including the non-registered "People's Alliance," the Party of Pensioners, and the Party of Motorists. According to Mr. Oslon, 2% of Muscovites are ready to vote for People's Alliance only because they know well its leader, Alexei Navalny. The rating of other parties ranges between 0% and 1%. Thirty percent of city residents said they would vote for United Russia, 9% - for the Communists, 7% - for the Liberal Democratic Party, 4% - for A Just Russia, 3% - for Civil Platform and 3% - for Yabloko.

The Justice Ministry has already registered 72 political parties. But the political space apparently has niches which are still unoccupied, International Institute for Political Expertise Director General Yevgeny Minchenko said. "There is no national democratic party, the National Socialists' niche is empty, and no party represents regional interests," Minchenko noted.

Meanwhile, the Justice Ministry has slowed down the tempo of registration of new parties. Whereas 43 of them were registered in April through July 2012, the ministry registered not more than two or three parties per month after that period. Currently, 88 organizing committees are queuing for registration.

The Justice Ministry's denial of registration to People's Alliance is the only "really significant refusal," Chairman of the Board of Center for Political Technologies Boris Makarenko told the Kommersant. "The number of parties in the country by far exceeds the demand, so the Justice Ministry may continue to register new parties or deny registration to all: the quantity will never affect the development of the domestic political party system.