Karelian Parliament finally rejected Yabloko’s bill on the repeal of the municipal filter in gubernatorial elections
Press release, 15.11.2018
Today the Parliament of the Republic of Karelia has voted down the initiative of Yabloko Chair Emilia Slabunova on the repeal of the municipal filter in gubernatorial elections. Earlier the bill did not find support among the members of the relevant committee.
Seven MPs voted in favour of the initiative while 18 MPs voted agains it. There were 33 MPs present at the meeting.
“Direct gubernatorial elections were reintroduced six years ago. However, the municipal filter [the procedure of collecting signatures of municipal deputies in order to be registered as candidates] actually neutralised this achievement. The municipal filter is an efficient mechanism of manipulation and withdrawal of candidates. It is a decoration that covers the situation when it is actually the President who suggests gubernatorial candidates,” Emilia Slabunova said.
“Eleven governors who were actually appointed this way are now under criminal procedures,” Yabloko leader reminded her colleagues. “We should remove administrative barriers to make elections competative, free and fair,” she explained.
Emilia Slabunova has already introduced the initiative in March 2017. However, the Legislative Assemble voted against it. The politician also proposed the measure for consideration of the Central Electoral Commission.
Posted: November 16th, 2018 under Elections, Gubernatorial Elections.