A real party of power has appeared in Russia

The most optimistic forecasts proved to be correct, Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev said at the briefing on December 8 dedicated to results of the elections to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

In Tatarstan the elections of deputies to the Fourth Convocation State Duma has passed with voter turnover at 77.25%. According to the results at 14.08 a.m., the United Russia Party won 59.66% support, it allows us to expect 4, and possibly 5 deputies mandates on the party lists. The party of power has really entered the Russian political stage. Earlier I said, Mintimer Shaimiev mentioned, that we cannot talk about a multi-party system till one party comes to power. 117 deputies of United Russia won on party lists, 105 – in single-mandate constituencies. There is a real majority in the Duma.

The bloc “Rodina” (Homeland) appeared rather unexpectedly. I believe it is a result of disunity in KPRF (Communists); the niche turned out empty for both leaders of the bloc and voters. In Mintimer Shaimiev’s opinion, the bloc of Glazyev and Rogozin will not be an everlasting alliance. They have to get free from ideology of nationalism, make reforms, and find approaches related to centrist position, without pulling the society backward. If they will be able to come to a common opinion in their programme aims (the bloc was established in a hurry), it may become vitally important. Mintimer Shaimiev expressed regret at the right forces not being able to break the 5% barrier. In a society where the democratic reforms are being conducted, these forces are needed. It is not necessary to have parliamentary majority, it would be unreal at today’s state of the society, but such forces are to be presented. They have to analyse causes of the failure in order to return to the political stage for next elections; four years pass quickly. The right are idealists in fact, with the only exception of Anatoly Chubais. In Tatarsatn, the right seem not to get on well too; they all want to be leaders, without having done anything. And to lead people devoted to right ideas is not easy.

Mintimer Shaimiev told journalists about the telephone talk with Vladimir Putin he had had just before the briefing. Russian President congratulated all people of Tatarstan on the victory of United Russia. The presidents exchanged opinions on the political situation in the country and the role of the party in the process of democratic development.