#9 - JRL 2009-204 - JRL Home
Medvedev to Propose Adjustment of Russian Electoral System
MOSCOW. Nov 7 (Interfax) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev plans to propose adjustments of the Russian electoral system.
Asked during an interview with Der Spiegel in the run-up to a visit to Berlin to comment on the October 11 local elections in Russia, the official results of which were criticized by the parliamentary opposition, Medvedev said, "These elections passed in quite an orderly way, although this does not mean that there were no flaws in them."
"There is quite a significant number of complaints in Moscow and some other cities. I met with the leaders of our parties, and we agreed that all those complaints should be considered in court," he said.
"I met with our parliamentary factions, and they all are saying the same. Yes, each faction is not wholly contented with its performance, but they all share the conviction that the ultimate result of the elections
absolutely accurately reflects the current alignment of forces between the political groups. The faction leaders made a number of proposals on how to improve the election procedures. I will think about it," he said.
"I will probably have a presidential address (to the Federal Assembly) ready in a couple of weeks, in which I will make my proposals on adjusting the electoral system," Medvedev said.
In commenting on the parliamentary opposition's criticism of the United Russia party for using its incumbency advantage in the elections, Medvedev said, "Even United Russia, which is the main political force and the ruling party, has something to be discontented with about the election results."
"If an official, even if he has warmest feelings toward this or that political organization, tries to help it in elections, he commits a crime described in our Criminal Code. And he has to bear responsibility for that. I think some of these cases that the parties have initiated will lead to administrative of criminal prosecutions," he said.
---->
