The prime minister and the Popular Front leader discussed the primaries results with their colleagues.
Yesterday, Vladimir Putin came to the National Popular Front headquarters to hold the meeting of its Coordination Council. The meeting focused on the interim results of the public preliminary vote, or the primaries, to determine the candidates for the country-wide election to the State Duma. The candidates will be known on August 25.
The primaries started a month ago, on July 21, and were supposed to finish on August 10. However, the number of participants was so large (more than 4700 candidates and 230,000 voters in the regions) that it was decided to prolong the primaries.
"The institution of preliminary elections [in Russia] is only in its formative stages," said Putin, alluding to organizational issues. "But in general the primaries have contributed greatly to the formation of the Popular Front... Indeed, we have been able to open up new possibilities for Russian civil society..."
The National Popular Front leader mentioned the high participation activity among the population: as compared to the year 2007 when primaries were held, the number of voters that participated in this year's primaries was three times bigger. Putin also called the primaries a kind of litmus test for the serving MPs:
"People among the audience could see if their delegate visited them at all for the four years and what problems he addressed."
Putin thinks that election debates have brought new people into the political arena. According to his estimation, out of 600 candidates offered for MP service around 250 candidates will take part in the elections.
"We mentioned that no less than 150 people would be non-party candidates," said Putin. "But I think the number will be bigger."
The National Popular Front leader also believes that their work shall not be limited to elections. There are serious issues like healthcare and education reform, social policies...As a consequence of this, a good human resources backup is created.
"I'd like to ask those of our colleagues who are currently sitting in the State Duma," said Putin, "to consider the possibility of making primaries a standard practice for all political parties. It seems to me that this would be interesting and exciting, and that it could stimulate political life in this country."
Chairman of the public organisation of motorists "Freedom of Choice" Vyacheslav Lysakov lamented to Putin:
"Mr Putin, unfortunately we didn't manage to give you a certificate saying that you were an honorary guest of the conference, as the protocol service withdrew it. If you had one though, Mr Putin, you would be able to get free rides in taxis all across Russia"
"Free rides in taxis sounds great!" Putin said with enthusiasm.
"Mr Putin, when you get in a taxi, would you take me along with you for free?" asked famous pediatrician Leonid Roshal half serous, half joking.
Roshal complained that sometimes local authorities act against the participants of the Popular Front.
"If somebody is harassed, we will protect them," promised Putin.
Chairman of the Council of the National Public Organisation of Russian Armed Forces Veterans General Mikhail Moiseyev told the leader of the Popular Front that members of other parties were actively trying to win over the votes – even at the primaries stage."
"But the enemy won't get through!" – said the veteran in a loud voice.
"We do not have enemies," retorted Putin. "Just the opponents."
Alexander Gamov
