On February 21, 2003 the Russian Democratic party YABLOKO had attracted over 36,000 members.This information was released at a meeting of the Bureau of the Federal Council of the Russian Democratic party YABLOKO, held in Moscow region on February 21-22, 2003. Consequently party member membership has more than tripled over the past three years.

The leadership of the party noted that these dynamics are connected to the new charter of the party adopted at YABLOKO's congress in December 2001, which stipulated that individuals need merely file an application to join the party. Previously an applicant had to submit recommendations from other members of the party and serve a term as a prospective applicant.

According to the Bureau of the YABLOKO, the largest regional organizations of the party are in Sverdlovsk region (3,200 members), Chuvash Republic (1,750 members), Rostov region (1,357 members), Krasnodar Territory (1,337 members) and Samara region (1,300 members).

The number of regional branches of YABLOKO reached 72 and local branches - 770. YABLOKO's branches in Karelia, Chuvashia and Tambov region have the most extensive networks of primary and local party structures. According to YABLOKO's experts, 75 million Russian citizens (about half of Russia's population) live in territories with local branches of the party.

The main agenda item of the most recent meeting of the Bureau concerned preparation for the parliamentary elections scheduled for December 2003 and the formation of an efficient electoral headquarters. The Bureau also adopted proposals from the regional organisations on the composition of the regional groups of the federal party list of YABLOKO, as well as proposals on more than 200 candidates for single - mandate electoral districts.

Members of the Bureau also adopted a statement in view of the Day of Defender of the Fatherland. In addition to congratulations on the holiday the document contains a call to remember the problems of the army and do everything possible to resolve them. The document states: "Russia has an opportunity to conduct an effective transfer to a professional army and raise the salaries of the military. We are certain that Russia's ability to become a strong, respected and flourishing state and its ability to adequately react to the challenges of the 21st century depend directly on exercising this opportunity."

The meeting of the Bureau of the Federal Council also adopted a decision to create a regional branch of the party in the Mari El Republic. It was also noted that YABLOKO's branches in Kursk region and Ingushetia had been registered. YABLOKO's Educational Centre and Commission of the Bureau of the Federal Council on the constitutional provision of equal rights and opportunities for women reported to the Bureau on the work that has been performed.

The nest meeting of the Bureau of the Federal Council is scheduled for April 2003. The Federal Council will assemble in June, and YABLOKO's congress will take place in August-September 2003.

See also:

State Duma elections 2003

Activities