2007. Russia’s Rigged Election.
"Diagram of the Russian State Duma after the 2007 Legislative Elections" by Dove under CC BY 3.0
The Russian presidential election of 2007 was a controversial event, with allegations of fraud, coercion, and manipulation of the democratic process. The election took place against a backdrop of increasing centralization of power and control by the Kremlin, and concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and media freedom.
International election observers, as reported by DW on November 1, 2007, noted that despite some improvements in the electoral process, including more transparency in vote counting, there were still serious problems, including restrictions on opposition candidates, state control of the media, and biased coverage of the campaign. Additionally, some Russian citizens reported being forced to vote in the election, as documented by Reuters on December 1, 2007.
The election was also marred by allegations of fraud, as reported by The New York Times on November 27, 2007, and The Guardian on November 29, 2007. A Russian election insider described in detail how the ruling party used intimidation, bribery, and other methods to ensure a victory for their preferred candidate. Observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) denounced the election results as unfair, according to BBC News on December 3, 2007, and Reuters on December 18, 2007.
Despite the criticism, Putin's party, United Russia, won a clear victory, as reported by CBS News on December 2, 2007. Putin's popularity and strongman image helped ensure his party's success, and his party's victory was widely expected. However, some experts suggested that the election results were not entirely legitimate, and that Putin had used his control over the media and the electoral process to secure his position.
The election was seen as a turning point in Russian politics, with the Kremlin consolidating its power and tightening its control over civil society and political opposition. As noted by RFERL on December 3, 2007, some observers characterized the election as a shift from "managed democracy" to "manual control," with the Kremlin exerting more direct and overt influence over political outcomes.
“2007 Russian Duma Elections Campaign, Billboard "Moscow Votes for Putin" in Manezhnaya Square, Moscow, Russia” under public domain by Leonid Dzhepko
The fallout from the election continued for some time, with critics and opposition figures challenging the legitimacy of the results. Reuters reported on January 17, 2008, that a petition had been filed in one Russian republic calling for the 2007 vote to be declared fraudulent. The election also drew criticism from international leaders, including President George W. Bush, who expressed concerns about the fairness of the election, according to BBC News on December 4, 2007.
In conclusion, the 2007 Russian presidential election was a controversial event, with serious allegations of fraud, manipulation, and coercion. It was seen as a turning point in Russian politics, with the Kremlin consolidating its power and control over the electoral process and civil society. Despite concerns about the fairness of the election, Putin's party won a clear victory, and the election was seen as a sign of Putin's continued popularity and strongman image. The aftermath of the election continued to generate controversy and criticism for some time, with some challenging the legitimacy of the results and others expressing concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and civil liberties in Russia.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on March 29, 2023
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Sources 2007. Russia’s Rigged Election:
Election Observation - DW November 1, 2007
Russian loophole offers Putin chance of third term - Reuters November 16, 2007
Russian election insider outlines fraud - The New York Times November 27, 2007
Fraud, intimidation and bribery as Putin prepares for victory - The Guardian November 29, 2007
Russians say being forced to vote in election - Reuters December 1, 2007
Russians vote in general election - BBC News December 2, 2007
Putin's Party Wins Russia Election - CBS News December 2, 2007
Russian election called unfair - NBC News December 2, 2007
Russian election unfair and biased towards Putin, observers say - The Guardian December 3, 2007
Putin win: It's not fair, say observers - The Guardian December 3, 2007
Russia: Moscow Shifts From 'Managed Democracy' To 'Manual Control' - RFERL December 3, 2007
Russia: Nashi Celebrates Victory; Public Steers Clear - RFERL December 3, 2007
Kremlin insists election was fair - BBC News December 3, 2007
Monitors denounce Russia election - BBC News December 3, 2007
Russian election results challenged - UPI December 3, 2007
Putin Basks in Election Win Despite Broad Criticism - The New York Times December 4, 2007
Bush tells Putin of poll concern - BBC News December 4, 2007
Journalists condemn Russian expulsion - MSNBC | Financial Times December 16, 2007
Fraud and pressure marred Russian election: monitors - Reuters December 18, 2007
Russian republic petition calls 2007 vote a fraud - Reuters January 17, 2008
TIMELINE: Vladimir Putin, from premier to president to premier - Reuters August 7, 2009
Russia Reborn - Foreign Affairs November 1, 2009