The election is a vital event. Everyone is interested in having authoritative and active people who are able to fulfill their promises, said Russian President Vladimir Putin in an address to Russians on the eve of the election.
Dear friends! In the next few days, on September 17, 18 and 19, we are going to elect deputies to the State Duma. The election of a new legislature is a vital event in the life of our society, our country.
According to the head of state, in the future, a lot will depend on constructive cooperation between the legislative and executive branches. In particular, Putin stressed, that under the renewed Constitution of Russia, the State duma enjoys the crucial power of approving the candidacies of the prime minister, his deputies and federal ministers.
"The modern world is a complicated place. We can see that it is changing rapidly and sometimes unpredictably. This certainly poses new challenges, but also offers new, broad opportunities," the president added.
Responsibility needed
Putin urged Russians to make a balanced choice.
"I count on you to take a responsible, substantiated and patriotic civil position, on your desire to elect the deputies who will work for the benefit and in the interests of our beloved Motherland, in the interests of the entire nation and each citizen of Russia," he added.
In addition, the President reminded that this year electronic voting is available in several regions - Moscow, Sevastopol, Nizhny Novgorod, Kursk, Yaroslavl, Murmansk and Rostov regions. Putin assured that modern technology guarantees the safety and reliability of this method.
The ultimate essence of elections is the expression of their will by the people of Russia as the main source of power and the implementation of the citizens’ constitutional right to determine the development course of Russia "which all of us want to be sovereign and prosperous", said the President.
There is much to be done in the future, he noted, and the realization of all plans depends on the competent work of the State Duma, the head of state explained.
Main role
The work in the State Duma is very difficult, it excludes populism and empty rhetoric, and requires the highest professionalism, Putin pointed out.
"The Duma plays the main role in the law-making process, in adopting laws that have the highest legal power in protecting human rights and interests. The federal budget, the country’s fundamental financial document, which the parliament adopts as well, creates the basis for implementing the state’s social guarantees, support programmes for families with children, regional development plans, and the development of cities and towns across our vast country," the President continued.
At the same time, he stressed, it is necessary for the parliament to be strong and respected, and the deputies of the new convocation to act in the interests of the country and its people.
"So that we can rely on them as the true patriots of Russia who are ready to resolutely and consistently guarantee our national interests in all spheres," the Russian leader said.
Parliamentary elections
Voting this year will take place from September 17 to 19. The Duma will be elected for a five-year term under a mixed system: 225 deputies will be elected from party lists and another 225 from single-member districts in a single round.
The federal lists of candidates for the Duma were registered by 14 parties: the CPRF, the Greens, the LDPR, New People, United Russia, A Just Russia - For Truth, Yabloko, Party of Growth, the Russian Party of Freedom and Justice, the Communists of Russia, Civil Platform, Green Alternative, Rodina, and the Russian Party of Pensioners.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from RIA Novosti