№ 2 - 2004
Kynev A.V.
Transition to Mixed Elections in the Regions: “Compulsory Transformation”

The author discusses problems of introducing mixed system of elections to the RF regions’ legislatures. Experience earlier gained in this sphere is briefly summed up. New regional laws are considered, that introduce mixed electoral system against manifest opposition of local ruling elites. The article is, for its most part, devoted to the analysis of the results of the elections to regional parliaments, that were held on December 7, 2003 in seven Federation subjects (together with the elections to Russia’s State Duma). The conclusion made is that introduction of mixed elections will, in prospect, make for the development of competitive political milieu in provincial localities. But one can hardly expect immediate results from the “compulsory transformation”.