Overview of the 2023 Russian Election Campaign Trends and Registration Dynamics
Russian political factions continue to forge distinct identities in public policy, intensify their political and organizational capacities, and actively contest for voter support. This assessment draws on findings from a study conducted by the Foundation for Democracy Studies. The organization reviewed the completed registration phase for EDG-2023 and outlined the central patterns shaping the electoral campaign.
Analysts highlighted that registration outcomes indicate a meaningful and competitive fight for seats in parliament and deputy offices during the upcoming elections.
The report notes that a clear majority of candidates were nominated as a result of improvements in party organization and outreach. As of August 17, pre-registration data show 74,000 candidates registered, representing more than 63,000 political entities and over 10,000 self-nominated contenders. With registration decisions still pending in newly established subjects of the Russian Federation, the tally of registered candidates is expected to climb further.
Conversely, the rate at which registration applications were rejected for the 2023 campaigns remains remarkably low nationwide, not surpassing 1.5 percent of all candidates.
Competition remains intense at every stage of the electoral process. Representatives from 20 of the 23 parties that put forward candidates participated at all levels of the elections. Simultaneously, party activity and willingness to engage broadly in the electoral process are evident even at the registration stage.
Experts also emphasize that the election system is open, transparent, and orderly. The electoral commissions involved at the registration phase are described as fair, reliable, and supportive of both parties and candidates, offering correction opportunities when legally permitted. An exception was Khakassia, where the Central Election Commission of Russia effectively assumed the functions of the republican commission to restore fairness and order.
On the Single Election Day, September 10, 2023, more than 4,000 election campaigns were planned across 85 constituent units of the Russian Federation. Russia’s Central Election Commission reported that over 65 million voters would be eligible to participate, with more than 33,000 elective positions and deputy seats to be filled during the elections.
This electoral cycle features campaigns at multiple levels, including by-elections for deputies of the State Duma in four districts across four issues; elections of top officials in 21 constituent entities; elections for deputies in the legislative bodies of 20 constituent entities; elections for the head of the administrative center in one region; and elections for deputies in the representative bodies of the administrative centers in 16 constituent entities.