Fleeting democracy
One of the most intriguing, and perhaps most democratic, features of an electoral system that required majorities for victory seems headed for the trash heap. There have been times when I would have used that option if it had been available.Russia: Lower House Backs Bill to Bar 'Against All' Vote
"Parliament's lower house took a preliminary step to remove from election ballots the option of voting 'against all' candidates. Critics have called the proposal the latest in a series of measures intended to bolster the pro-Kremlin party, United Russia, and diminish political competition.
"In place since the early 1990's, the 'against all' option has served as a sort of protest vote. In a handful of cases, including in the last parliamentary elections in 2003, it has even won, effectively annulling the outcome in those races.
"If ultimately approved, as expected, the option would be barred before parliamentary elections in 2007 and the presidential election in 2008, when Vladimir V. Putin is required to step down."
posted by Ken Wedding @ 7:50 AM
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From the Angus Reid web site on August 8, 2006. The site publishes a wealth of opinion poll results from all over the world.
Russians Divided Over Electoral Reforms
"Adults in Russia are divided over a recent change to their political system, according to a poll by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center. 46 per cent of respondents oppose the cancellation of the "against all candidates" option, while 42 per cent think it was the right decision..."
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