Potential Election Law Reforms in Russia

Vladislav Surkov, the first deputy chief of the presidential administration, announced yesterday that proposals to modify party registration and parliamentary election rules will be forwarded to the Duma. If the reforms move forward as outlined, signature requirements for party registration will be lowered roughly in half (to 100,000-120,000) with a final target of 30,000-35,000 (no timetable was set for the final reduction). In addition, the electoral threshold will be modified. While the 7% threshold will remain, parties receiving over 5% of the vote will receive token representation in parliament.

These potential reforms are similar to recent changes proposed in Kazakhstan; minor tinkering that may expand competition, but only on the margins.

Thanks to Johnson's Russia List for the story.