Chaos reigns in United Russia ahead of the State Duma elections
With less than four months to go before the State Duma elections, the leadership of the United Russia party still lacks a clear understanding of its candidates, key campaign messages, and performance metrics. Meduza reports this, citing sources in Putin’s administration, regional authorities, and the party itself.
The publication’s sources claim that the campaign is effectively proceeding “blindly,” and final instructions from the Kremlin are not expected until late July or early August.
According to one source, the reason is the general uncertainty regarding the future course of events in Russia.
“No one—neither here, nor in the Kremlin, nor in the government—knows for sure what will happen next month or even next week—with the war, the economy. Now there are also fuel problems,” the source noted.
As Meduza reports, the party’s final list of candidates—both for party lists and single-member districts—has not yet been approved.
One political strategist working with United Russia in several regions called the situation unprecedented. According to him, in previous election cycles, it was already clear by the end of the year who would represent the regions in the elections, which allowed candidates to begin active campaigning in advance.
At present, however, no final decision has been made. More clarity is expected after the party congress, scheduled for June 28.
Source: Meduza.
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