There are no elections in Russia, only theatre
This year's most expensive theatre production took place last week. Millions of Russians (and some Ukrainians, at gunpoint) played voters. A host of Putin's cronies embodied democratically elected politicians. The props team did excellent work: ballot papers, boxes, and TV debates (although some actors missed their cues). Reading the headlines, one could get the false impression that Russia was…
A costly theatrical production unfolded in Russia this week. Millions of Russians, coerced at times, cast ballots for Putin's allies, who portrayed themselves as elected officials. The production's set included ballot papers, boxes, and TV debates, though some actors missed their cues. Headlines suggested a sudden democratic shift, but the reality was far from it.
The term "election" was prevalent, with most outlets eventually clarifying that the elections were "tightly controlled," "devoid of opposition," and "carefully engineered." Putin orchestrated this performance to bolster his regime. Accurate reporting is crucial, especially as this political farce coincides with a campaign of violence.
However, we must not grant Russia any legitimacy by using charitable descriptions of "elections." In 1958, an American observer covered Soviet elections for the New York Times, questioning their validity and highlighting absurdities. This week's coverage, while neutral, inadvertently provided Putin the democratic facade he seeks.
Mainstream outlets need to abandon terms like "election," "majority," "parliamentary," "opposition," when discussing Russia's events. United Russia, supported by Putin, is poised to retain its constitutional majority in the State Duma. It is misleading to speak of retaining a constitutional majority in a totalitarian state. Putin, who dominates United Russia, is seeking both legitimacy and strength.
In occupied Ukraine, the same soldiers who terrorize civilians are bringing ballot boxes, raising concerns about intimidation and coerced voting. Putin is not only seeking legitimacy but also strength. Russian authorities continued their campaign of violence, even managing to find dissenters to harass before the elections. Predictable results were announced, with Putin's party retaining control and the opposition receiving allocated seats.
Russia's war against Ukraine will continue, and mobilization may soon escalate. Independent observers noted Russia's sloppy electioneering, with banning of opposition parties, ballot stuffing, and repression. This process was not a genuine election.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
