Russia

The good showing of President Vladimir Putin's party United Russia in regional and local elections on October 14 further solidifies United Russia's hold on power in the country. This also marks a sharp turnaround from the poor showing of United Russia in parliamentary elections held in December 2011. Opposition candidates decried fraud at polling stations, however, no claims have been substantiated. A poor turnout likely reflects not only growing disillusionment with Russian politics, evidenced in ongoing public protests. However, relatively strong support for United Russia party candidates also likely reflects growing concern about the slowing economy and rising inflation given that candidates close to the ruling party tend to have a stronger ability to gain concessions and funding flows from the federal government.

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