Press Release, 13.03.2017

The bill on the abolition of the “municipal filter” envisaging collection of municipal deputies’ signatures so that to be able to run in the gubernatorial elections was submitted to the Legislative Assembly of Karelia by Emilia Slabunova, MP and leader of the YABLOKO party. The parties that have factions in the State Duma or a corresponding regional legislative assembly should have the right to nominate candidates in the gubernatorial elections without collecting signatures of municipal deputies.

According to YABLOKO, the so-called “municipal filter” prevents the real political competition when alternative candidates can participate the election of governors, this does not correspond to the principles of democracy, multi-party system and equality of electoral rights.

The bill provides for the nomination of a candidate for governor by parties that have factions in the State Duma or the legislature of the region where the elections are due, only on the basis of the decisions of these parties. Now a candidate for governors from any party have to collect municipal deputies’ signatures in his/her support so that to be registered in the campaign. Support is considered secured if from five to ten per cent of municipal deputies subscribe for the candidate (depending on the region); whereas one municipal deputy has the right to support only one candidate.

“In fact, the “municipal filter” represents an “administrative filter”, because representatives of the ruling party decide whether municipal deputies should support candidates from opposition parties. Taking into account the prospects of the election campaign, they allow weak candidates to run in the election, which provides the illusion of election competitiveness, while prohibiting uncomfortable real competitors from running,” Emilia Slabunova said.

According to YABLOKO, the need for a candidate to obtain support from municipal deputies negatively affects the elections and development of local self-government institutions.

Deputies of the Karelian Legislative Assembly will consider the bill as on 23 March. If the initiative is approved, it will be forwarded to the State Duma for consideration.