Positive growth
Optimistic in relation to the elections of Russians have increased, the survey by the Levada center, conducted in August of this year. Nine years ago only 14% of respondents did not expect any abuse during the election. In 2011, this figure rose to 18%, and in 2016 — to 22%. The credibility of the Central election Commission for the last nine years has increased. In 2011, the fraud from the CEC waited for 31% of respondents. Five years later the figure had halved to 13%.
According to Deputy Director of Levada Center Alexei Grazhdankin, the growth of confidence in the electoral system and the CEC related to the fact that public attention is drawn to the events in Ukraine. “The population believes that what is happening in Ukraine is more important than elections,” explains the sociologist. As an example, he cites another survey. “After the Ukrainian events the expectation of the terrorist threat in the North Caucasus has decreased by half,” says Grazhdankin. In addition, according to the sociologist, positively on trust in the electoral system affected the behavior of the opposition. “People who supported the idea of clean elections, was supported by the Kyiv government that went counter to the interests of the majority,” said Grazhdankin. The appointment of a new Chairman of the CEC of Ella Pamfilova did not affect the results of the survey, experts say.
And Grazhdankina disagree head of the election monitoring movement “the Voice” Andrey Buzin. In his opinion, the appointment Pamfilova and its decisions directly affect the confidence of the Russians. “The elections themselves do not bear any positive emotions and were required serious changes,” — said Buzin. According to the expert, the appointment Pamfilova and its next steps — the response to the scandal in Barvikha, the resignation of the chairmen of election commissions of St. Petersburg and Moscow region — played a major role in the growth of trust. “Her steps were thoroughly covered by the press, which have a positive impact in relation to the elections”, concludes Buzin.
According to the center, relative to violations of the election among the respondents has changed is not critical. For nine years, those who recognize that the abuse will have on the election a very serious impact became less. In 2007, there were 22%, nine years later, 14%. Another 40% “distrustful” of respondents believe that violations will have a major impact on the election process. Many believe that abuse is not serious or virtually no impact on the voting process.
A survey of violations in the elections and the attitude of the Russians was conducted among 1,600 people in 137 towns and 48 regions of the country. Similar surveys sociological center conducted in 2007 and 2011 on the eve of elections of deputies of the state Duma of the fifth and sixth convocations. Sociologists have suggested respondents to evaluate the work of the CEC and to assume, will face the voters in the upcoming elections violations and what they will be.
The excess in the field
About a quarter of respondents the Levada center believe that violations should be expected in regional and local election commissions. This answer was given by 21% of respondents. Five and nine years ago, the distrust of the local commissions was higher — 31% and 28% respectively. Also “suspicious” voters are afraid the provision of “parties of power”, including the “United Russia”, the advantages in the election campaign. This option was chosen by 18% of respondents. This was 3% lower than in 2007 and 2011.
According to the survey the Russian system of electoral commissions do not trust 35% of Russians (against 34% in 2011). “For” the existing order of the account of votes are 53% (previously 56%). Increased the number of those who could not find the answer to this question. In 2016, the number of undecided was 13%, 2% more than during the last election campaign.
The issue price
Almost not changed the response of the Russians on the question of whether they want to sell their votes in the elections to the State Duma. The majority (63%) of respondents said they were not going to sell your vote for any money. Categorically informed voters were less — to exercise their right of choice, despite the proposed amount, was willing to 57% and 61% in 2007 and 2011 respectively. One percent of respondents chose a small reward for your vote — from 100 to 500 rubles. A little more 2% of voters chose a more substantial reward from 1 to 2 thousand rubles. For 5 thousand rubles were ready to vote for 11% of Russians. A higher award is sought, only 5% of respondents.
