by Maria Anikina

Orthodox, Muslim, Buddhist and Jews launch an appeal urging believers to “do their duty” and turn out to vote. Only 4 of the 11 parties is likely to reach the quorum of 7 percent needed to enter the Duma. A large turnout could grant Putin’s Party the desired parliamentary majority.

Moscow (AsiaNews) –The appeal is always the same: “Turn up to vote!”. But this time it is being launched by Members of the Russian Presidential Council for interaction with religious organizations, – from Russian orthodox to Muslims – taking part in the national campaign ahead of tomorrows parliamentary elections.  In an official document issued this morning, the Council – which also groups Buddhists, Jews, Orthodox, Muslims and Protestants – invites “all believers and compatriots to express their maturity and to take part in the elections”, underling the importance of thus “defending the Motherland”.

Mobilisation across various sectors of society to urge voters to the polls has been massive, with religious representatives doing their part.  Metropolitan Kirill, number two of the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, and head of the Department for External Church Relations, stressed “Forthcoming elections will be "key event” that is why the duty of each believer is to come and to vote”.  

Tomorrows elections are for the parliament or Duma, but the results from the vote will certainly influence the nations entire political makeup ahead of the crucial March 2008 presidential vote.  A landslide win by the “United Russia” Party of president Vladimir Putin is being cited as a given; the only real doubt surrounds the percentage of seats he will gain in the Chamber.  If United Russia succeeds in gaining the constitutional majority – two thirds of Parliament – it could change the constitution by itself.  In practical terms this means that it could for example modify the law banning a third consecutive presidential mandate leaving Putin eligible to candidate himself for March 2nd.

According to recent sociological data just four of eleven parties still have a chance to overcome 7-percent barrier during the parliament elections of December the 2nd.  There are “Edinaya Rossia” (United Russia) which could obtain approximately 62% of votes, Communist party (KPRF) – 12%, Liberal Democratic party (LDPR) – 9% and “Fair Russia” – 7% (data of Public Opinion Foundation).

 

• russia
• elections
• putin
• president
• duma
• orthodox
• muslim
• buddhist
• protestant
• jews