Russian opposition accuses Kremlin of fixing Moscow city election

[Babur]

Medvedev has a lot of work to do if he wants to make the electoral system in Russia "more competitive"

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Russian opposition accuses Kremlin of fixing Moscow city election
Election commission bans several of mayor's opponents from standing as capital goes to the polls

Luke Harding in Moscow Opposition politician Boris Nemtsov (c), at a rally in Moscow. Photograph: Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP



Opposition leaders in Russia have accused the authorities of fixing the forthcoming election for a new city council in Moscow, and claim that all democratic candidates have been kicked off the ballot.
Some 30 million Russians go to the polls on Sunday for regional elections, in the first test of President Dmitry Medvedev's pledge to make Russia's electoral system more "competitive".
But ahead of the poll, critics say that, far from improving under Medvedev, Russia's democracy has slid backwards. They allege that Moscow's veteran 73-year-old mayor, Yuri Luzhkov, has manipulated the vote in advance to ensure a landslide victory for his pro-Kremlin United Russia party.
"You can forget about elections in this country," Boris Nemtsov, the leader of the opposition movement, Solidarity, said. "There are no elections at all." Asked whether Medvedev had improved Russia's record, he answered sardonically: "He's not a president. He's a famous Russian blogger."
Russia's election commission disqualified Nemtsov and other Solidarity candidates from contesting Sunday's city council vote, claiming that the 5,000 signatures they had each collected to stand in single-mandate districts had been "forged". "They even told me my own signature was forged," Nemtsov said. Other parties were also disqualified.
The election comes at a tricky moment for Luzhkov. After more than 17 years in power, his relations with the Kremlin have become increasingly strained. He has also been battered by corruption scandals, with allegations that he helped his wife, the billionaire Yelana Baturina, to become the richest woman in Russia and eastern Europe.
Baturina has been embroiled in a legal struggle against a fellow Moscow property developer, Chalva Tchigirinsky. In documents submitted to the high court in London, Tchigirinsky claimed in May that Baturina secretly co-owned his business – a fact that enabled him to secure highly profitable contracts from Moscow's Luzhkov-run government. Baturina denies the allegation.
The couple faced further embarrassment when British newspapers reported that Baturina had bought London's largest private house – a 90-room Grade II-listed mansion in Highgate – for £50m. Baturina says she is not the owner. But opposition activists have plastered pictures of the property on the Moscow metro.
The poll is likely to see the handful of opposition deputies in the current 35-seat United Russia-dominated Duma lose their seats. Western diplomats say there is no evidence to suggest that Medvedev's frequent appeals – calling on Russia to transform itself into a genuine democracy and progressive society – have had any effect whatsoever.
United Russia activists defied the rain today to hand out copies of a newspaper urging Muscovites to vote for Luzhkov's party. The paper had a large portrait of Russia's prime minister, Vladimir Putin, on its front page. Intriguingly, there was no mention anywhere of Medvedev, whom few Russians believe to be the country's real leader.
Luzhkov is suing Nemtsov after he published a dossier on his website accusing the mayor of corruption. Nemtsov said today that he was not bothered by the writ. He said: "Moscow courts are under Luzhkov's control. He knows he will win here. But he doesn't understand we have other places to discuss these things, like in London."
Critics also accuse the mayor of flattening the Russian capital's architectural heritage and replacing its historic buildings with tasteless sham replicas. Yesterday, builders knocked down a protected 19th-century building, Deacon's House, to make way for a block of luxury flats. Luzhkov's city hall had earlier promised to protect the property.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009...ix-allegations

I wonder if anything will be done about this

[motiv-8]

My Russian friend says, "Problems? There are no problems. Russia is great place!"

[Babur]

My Russian friend says, "Problems? There are no problems. Russia is great place!"

oooh there are plenty of problems in Russia .

I very highly doubt it.

I know, that's what I was implying .

Medvedev must break the influence of the FSB in Russian politics if he is to push through his attempts to improve Russia's electoral system.A part of me doubts that he intends to do so however.

[s.rwitt]

I wonder if anything will be done about this

I very highly doubt it.

[GeneralL]

I wonder if anything will be done about this

Hmmh! Who would ever do anything against that ? Putin and Medvedev care a :wub: about 19th century buildings, corruption and thousands of organised crimes, since both are part of it. Why should Putin ever find a reason to finance and support his Opponents, who allready dream of a spark of democracy. That would be just redicilious. This all is not surprising or shocking, it is just "old news". Believe me, nothing has changed in the past 20 years. The Kremlin consists of old KGB or FSB Lieutenants, Majors, a few intimidated politicians and Putin/Medvedev. Today, most of the russian oligarchs are all Putins puppets. Now, it is just amusing that opposition parties are complaining about the thing with the Mayor. It is like a kindergarden show for 12 years old. They come out, protest and go home, if not, they'll be beaten home by OMON forces. As I allways say; If the government does not finance it's opposition parties, than it is just a farce to have one. This is an old game. The Kremlin just puts some sovjet pitbulls into governmental institutions. Everything else what happens, inside and outside the building, is controlled and driven by the russian government itself.

[Babur]

Hmmh! Who would ever do anything against that ? Putin and Medvedev care a :wub: about 19th century buildings, corruption and thousands of organised crimes, since both are part of it. Why should Putin ever find a reason to finance and support his Opponents, who allready dream of a spark of democracy. That would be just redicilious. This all is not surprising or shocking, it is just "old news". Believe me, nothing has changed in the past 20 years. The Kremlin consists of old KGB or FSB Lieutenants, Majors, a few intimidated politicians and Putin/Medvedev. Today, most of the russian oligarchs are all Putins puppets. Now, it is just amusing that opposition parties are complaining about the thing with the Mayor. It is like a kindergarden show for 12 years old. They come out, protest and go home, if not, they'll be beaten home by OMON forces. As I allways say; If the government does not finance it's opposition paries, than it is just a farce to have one. This is an old game. The Kremlin just puts some sovjet pitbulls into governmental institutions. Everything else what happens, inside and outside the building, is controlled and driven by the russian government itself.

well said man

Tushinskaya is supposedly a centre of crime in Moscow ,do you think these opposition leaders will die in "accidents"?

[GeneralL]

well said man

Tushinskaya is supposedly a centre of crime in Moscow ,do you think these opposition leaders will die in "accidents"?

I think that Putin has more pity with them, than feeling angry about those "dangerous" "mass" protests

.... yes, they will all die in accidents .

[Babur]

I think that Putin has more pity with them, than feeling angry about those "dangerous" "mass" protests

.... yes, they will all die in accidents .

lol does Putin know of this "pity"?

[GeneralL]

lol does Putin know of this "pity"?

He didn't launch nuclear missiles against Georgia ?

[Heathen Hammer]

Um, it's Luzhkov's work, what does Russian prime-minister have to do with that? And all those crackpot theories about "evil Putin killing opposition"?
And no, I don't support Putin. He is a corrupt capitalist pro-oligarch bastard, just like Yeltsin was. But at least he had done some improvements, unlike his predecessor. I also think that Luzhkov needs to be sent to govern some Siberian town for a while. During USSR time like this would never happen.

[CarbEast]

Medvedev has a lot of work to do if he wants to make the electoral system in Russia "more competitive"

It really works very simple. Imagine you're not very popular ex-politician. You have money, but your record is spoiled all over. And you want back into politics *real* badly. Obviously your first choice is to run for a position on the next elections. But the problem is people really detest you and if you tried, you might probably get 2-3% of voters if you lucky. Loosing is not our choice, is it? So here comes plan B. You apply for elections, but *intentionally* forge your signatures. Then you're kicked out of elections exactly for that, and then you scream for bloody murder and that Kremlin getting rid of opponents. Of course you don't win elections this way, but:
1. You get a lot of publicity.
2. International 'freedom' organizations love you.
3. Still better than just quietly loosing the elections.

Cool idea, isn't it? I bet Lenin could only dream of schemes like this back then, when he tried to get in power.

I think that Putin has more pity with them, than feeling angry about those "dangerous" "mass" protests

Hey, it's a mob!

[Salvo]

All Russians I know say that there are problems in Russia (!!), but only Putin can fix it
In fact most of the Russians want Putin to be head of the country...and all have no problems that oposition cannot exist the same way it exists in the west...

[GeneralL]

Um, it's Luzhkov's work, what does Russian prime-minister have to do with that? And all those crackpot theories about "evil Putin killing opposition"?

- The Russian "Prime-Minister" isn't directly involved in such affairs. Right ....
- crackpot theories .... ? Hmmm, well ok .... I mean, there are only "evidences" of taking out oppositionists, jailing them, beating the crap out of them, intimidating them with tons of old fashioned old school type of punishment, not to mention some very serious accusations against Putin, by former KGB, international organisations ( almost every reasonable institutions )
There are accusations of massmurder, terrorist support, genocide and Opposition beating. If you put all this in account, you won't come to a good opinion about this self declared Oligarch and Kaiser of all Russians.

And no, I don't support Putin. He is a corrupt capitalist pro-oligarch bastard, just like Yeltsin was. But at least he had done some improvements, unlike his predecessor. I also think that Luzhkov needs to be sent to govern some Siberian town for a while. During USSR time like this would never happen.

I'm a bit suprised. I think you have no idea how hard life was in the USSR. Everyone needed special contacts and permissions to get a high income or had to be smart enough to cheat the rich ones, like todays many russian millionairies and billionaries did in their past. Children sometimes never saw bred with their own eyes, they only heard of it. The Kremlin at this time betrayed acted like the ancient egyptians, steeling land and income of farmers, betraying their own people. People like Luzhkov were like angels compared to some others. It was not far away from total autocracy.

All Russians I know say that there are problems in Russia (!!), but only Putin can fix it
In fact most of the Russians want Putin to be head of the country...and all have no problems that oposition cannot exist the same way it exists in the west...

- Hmm, please name me a date, when Putin was not head of the state. Correct date and sources please ....
Who says that ? I mean, 80% of the Opposition may be corrupt little selfish s, who even betray their own supporters, but who told you that no russian is dreaming of more democracy ?

Putin has excellent Propaganda instruments, like NASHI, FSB, the Neo Nazi league and the youth of the russian prosperty, only to name one of the main instruments. This is a very disturbing developement. It is a zombie state

Hey, it's a mob!

It can't be more than a mob. THe OMON are everywhere. They are behind walls, in the walls, hiding in dustbins, under drains, behind trees, on trees, on the roofs, behind you, behind your car, in your car !

They have an eye on you !

and they do not like greanpeace ! .... what I in fact can understand

[ivan_the_terrible]

I'm a bit suprised. I think you have no idea how hard life was in the USSR. Everyone needed special contacts and permissions to get a high income or had to be smart enough to cheat the rich ones, like todays many russian millionairies and billionaries did in their past. Children sometimes never saw bred with their own eyes, they only heard of it.

BS.

[Nikitn]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

- The Russian "Prime-Minister" isn't directly involved in such affairs. Right ....
- crackpot theories .... ? Hmmm, well ok .... I mean, there are only "evidences" of taking out oppositionists, jailing them, beating the crap out of them, intimidating them with tons of old fashioned old school type of punishment, not to mention some very serious accusations against Putin, by former KGB, international organisations ( almost every reasonable institutions )
There are accusations of massmurder, terrorist support, genocide and Opposition beating. If you put all this in account, you won't come to a good opinion about this self declared Oligarch and Kaiser of all Russians.



I'm a bit suprised. I think you have no idea how hard life was in the USSR. Everyone needed special contacts and permissions to get a high income or had to be smart enough to cheat the rich ones, like todays many russian millionairies and billionaries did in their past. Children sometimes never saw bred with their own eyes, they only heard of it. The Kremlin at this time betrayed acted like the ancient egyptians, steeling land and income of farmers, betraying their own people. People like Luzhkov were like angels compared to some others. It was not far away from total autocracy.



- Hmm, please name me a date, when Putin was not head of the state. Correct date and sources please ....
Who says that ? I mean, 80% of the Opposition may be corrupt little selfish s, who even betray their own supporters, but who told you that no russian is dreaming of more democracy ?

Putin has excellent Propaganda instruments, like NASHI, FSB, the Neo Nazi league and the youth of the russian prosperty, only to name one of the main instruments. This is a very disturbing developement. It is a zombie state



It can't be more than a mob. THe OMON are everywhere. They are behind walls, in the walls, hiding in dustbins, under drains, behind trees, on trees, on the roofs, behind you, behind your car, in your car !

They have an eye on you !

and they do not like greanpeace ! .... what I in fact can understand

Long quoted articles, multiple videos, and large pictures should be posted in spoilers. -- VP


Sometimes I wonder if people like you really are serious. It is enough to say: That was BS from top to bottom. No, Russia is not some dictatorship, yes that idiot Nemtsov IS lying and no you have no knowledge of what you talk about, what-so-ever. Your text is so epic waste of bandwidth, it does not deserve a proper reply. Seriously man, do some actual research (I especially liked the "Russia is a zombie state controlled by Putin" part).

I have relatives in Russia, I know Russian refugees. My father served as a VDV officer in the russian army and he lived through this whole :wub: ! They all lived through this giant fail of constitution ! Noone will be ever able to teach you better anything about the situation in Russia of the the past 20-50 years and today. Absolutly noone. I am more then serious about the story with the bred. When writing down such things, I don't just fetch them out of my fantasy. A 50 years old russian woman who lived in the Yamalia district suffered unimaginable pain due to the vandalism of the communist party against the own population. That what you claim is just an absurdum. There were either rich people or very very very very poor and devastated famalies. I am not only talking about Kitay Gorod square in Moskow. I am talking about the giant surroundings, which are also a part of Russia. ....

A new level of low. Seriously, if your "relatives" claim that, they have severe problems. I mean, for s sake? What you said has no connection to reality what-so-ever. And stop discussing with people who LIVE in Russia.

"Children didn't ever see bread with their own eyes" - I should put this in my signature.

Edit: Oh, you are Georgian! Now it all makes seance..

[GeneralL]

Chinggis Khan, when will you learn that your "(trolling?) crusades against Russia" as you put it, will not work unless you are able to bring non - BS to the discussion table?



Sometimes I wonder if people like you really are serious. It is enough to say: That was BS from top to bottom. No, Russia is not some dictatorship, yes that idiot Nemtsov IS lying and no you have no knowledge of what you talk about, what-so-ever. Your text is so epic waste of bandwidth, it does not deserve a proper reply. Seriously man, get away of your mama's computer and do some actual research, instead of trolling and spamming like a mad man (I especially liked the "Russia is a zombie state controlled by Putin" part).



A new level of low. Seriously, if your "relatives" claim that, they have severe mental problems. I mean, for s sake? What you said has no connection to reality what-so-ever. And stop discussing with people who LIVE in Russia.

"Children didn't ever see bread with their own eyes" - I should put this in my signature.

Edit: Oh, you are Georgian! Now it all makes seance..

Errrr..... I don't know who you are and which cage or cell you escaped from and who the heck gave you the right, to just insult me and my relatives, but your comment has not the traces of an intelligent beeing, so I do not ask you to apologize for your childish irresponsible behaviour. If you disagree with facts, it is your problem. Never a reason to insult people who do not daydream an illusion of holographic wealth ánd Putin's little toys. I am here to discuss and not to throw around some primitiv childish and emotional expressions.

[Pavlik the Rus]

First of all, it is local elections and zero linkage with Medvedev and Putin

And second.... That losers on that photo must understand - they are political corpses (Nemtsov especially)
They must go away, to leave this place (i mean role of oposition) to new people, to those who can be trusted by population.
Only one of them have understood this - Irina Hakamada. She leaved political stage "to clear place to new people" as she said.
Personnaly i'll gladly support democratic oposition, but without that mfs like Nemtsov.
PS Including a local Moscow level of elections.

[Beregond]

heh, what can be done about the electoral system in an authoritarian country? is it really needed

but I'd prefer stability that brings this kind of regime to the chaos and freaking mess in my country...

[Heathen Hammer]

- The Russian "Prime-Minister" isn't directly involved in such affairs. Right ....
- crackpot theories .... ? Hmmm, well ok .... I mean, there are only "evidences" of taking out oppositionists, jailing them, beating the crap out of them, intimidating them with tons of old fashioned old school type of punishment, not to mention some very serious accusations against Putin, by former KGB, international organisations ( almost every reasonable institutions )
There are accusations of massmurder, terrorist support, genocide and Opposition beating. If you put all this in account, you won't come to a good opinion about this self declared Oligarch and Kaiser of all Russians.

- Why would he? Its just city elections.
- They are crackpot, because there is literally no proof of Russian government's involvement in them. Maybe if opposition did not associate itself with Chechen and other mob, they would not face the consequences. And west can be accused of suppport of massmurder and terrorism as well.

I'm a bit suprised. I think you have no idea how hard life was in the USSR. Everyone needed special contacts and permissions to get a high income or had to be smart enough to cheat the rich ones, like todays many russian millionairies and billionaries did in their past. Children sometimes never saw bred with their own eyes, they only heard of it. The Kremlin at this time betrayed acted like the ancient egyptians, steeling land and income of farmers, betraying their own people. People like Luzhkov were like angels compared to some others. It was not far away from total autocracy.

I think you have no idea of how people lived during Soviet Union. Children didn't see bread with their own eyes? I mean come on, thats utter shite. The only thing people in Soviet Union were lacking was stuff like chewing gum, jeans and things like that (although most of those things were available at "black markets"). But at least they lived in stable country and had their jobs, free education, medical care, etc Those things are much more important than having "free elections" (to elect another capitalist) and "freedom of speech" (when all the rich have the media and your "speech" makes no difference at all).

[GeneralL]

I have relatives in Russia, I know Russian refugees. My father served as a VDV officer in the russian army and he lived through this whole :wub: ! They all lived through this giant fail of constitution ! Noone will be ever able to teach you better anything about the situation in Russia of the the past 20-50 years and today. Absolutly noone. I am more then serious about the story with the bred. When writing down such things, I don't just fetch them out of my fantasy. A 50 years old russian woman who lived in the Yamalia district suffered unimaginable pain due to the vandalism of the communist party against the own population. That what you claim is just an absurdum. There were either rich people or very very very very poor and devastated famalies. I am not only talking about Kitay Gorod square in Moskow. I am talking about the giant surroundings, which are also a part of Russia. ....