№ 4 - 2000
Zeletdinova E.A.
Astrakhan Oblast: Analysis of the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections Results within the Region

Analyzing the results, within Astrakhan Oblast, of the past parliamentary and presidential elections in the country, as well as the data of the sociological tests carried out in the Oblast in summer and in the autumn, 1999, the author finds out new tendencies in the evolution of the Astrakhanians’ political orientations and electoral behaviour. Thus, it was opposition sentiments that had predominated at the previous elections; this time, however, the structure of electoral preferences has become distinctly bipolar The author shows, for that matter, that it was state-mindedness of the region’s inhabitants - combined with the need they feel, for a «strong hand», and with the inclination to personify power, which is, with Russia, traditional - that contributed to the noticeably increased rating of the pro-government party of the 1999 pattern. In view of the above-said, the author comes to the conclusion that the opposition model of voting in Astrakhan Oblast has transformed into a paternalistic one, with accent laid on the strong personality of the ruler guarantying security and order.