We, the multinational people of the Russian Federation, united by a common fate on our land, establishing human rights and freedoms, civil peace and accord, preserving the historically established State unity, proceeding from universally acknowledged principles of equality and self-determination of peoples, revering the memory of ancestors who have passed on to us their love for the Fatherland and faith in good and justice, reviving the sovereign statehood of Russia and asserting the firmness of its democratic basis, striving to ensure the well-being and prosperity of Russia, proceeding from the responsibility for our Fatherland before present and future generations, recognizing ourselves to be a part of the world community, do hereby adopt THE CONSTITUTION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.
This section of the 1993 Constitution (as amended in 2020) emphasizes the need of solidarity, patriotism, and group responsibility for the advancement of the Russian Federation. Russia is a democratic, federative, law-based state with a republican system of government, according to the Constitution. The three branches of government are the legislative, executive, and judicial. The president is elected to serve a six-year term and is eligible for reelection for a second term. The upper chamber Federation Council and the 450-seat State Duma make up the Federal Assembly.
Our analyst examines the constitution with the aim of revealing the country’s democratic process as people go to the polls in 2024 for the presidential election. In summary, the framework provides a basis for understanding the historical context of presidential elections in Russia and can be applied to anticipate key elements and dynamics in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. It underscores the democratic foundation, legal framework, and role of key institutions in shaping the electoral process.
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Exhibit 1: Russia’s democratic framework according to Constitution
Democratic Foundation. Russia is declared a democratic state with a republican form of government. The Constitution emphasizes the importance of human rights, civil peace, and accord.
Division of Powers. State power is divided among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Supreme Expression of Power. The supreme direct expression of the power of the people is through referendums and free elections, as stated in Article 3(3) of the Constitution.
Presidential Elections. The procedure for presidential elections is determined by federal law, as per Article 81(4). The President announces elections to the State Duma in accordance with the Constitution and federal law (Article 84).
Timing of Presidential Elections. Presidential elections are to be held within three months of the early termination of the presidential office (Article 92(2)).
State Duma Elections. Any Russian citizen aged 21 or older with the right to participate in elections may be elected as a deputy of the State Duma (Article 97).
State Duma Sessions. The State Duma convenes its first session 30 days after the election, but the President may convene it earlier (Article 99(2)).
Council of Federation’s Role. The Council of Federation is responsible for the announcement of presidential elections (Article 102(e)).
Dissolution of State Duma. In case of dissolution, the President announces the date of elections so that a newly-elected State Duma may be convened not later than four months after the dissolution (Article 109(2)).
Local Self-Government. Local self-government is exercised through referendums, elections, and other forms of direct expression of citizens’ will (Article 130(2)).
Previous Presidential Elections
Democratic Tradition. Russia, as per its constitution, follows a democratic process in electing its president. Previous elections have been held in accordance with these democratic principles.
Federal Law Influence. The procedure for presidential elections being determined by federal law implies that changes in election processes may occur over time based on legal amendments.
Role of Council of Federation. The Council of Federation has been historically involved in the announcement of presidential elections, emphasizing a centralized authority in the electoral process.
2024 Presidential Election
Legal Framework. The 2024 presidential election will likely adhere to the existing constitutional framework and any relevant changes in federal laws governing the electoral process.
Council of Federation’s Role. The Council of Federation’s involvement in announcing the election suggests a continued role in shaping the electoral landscape for the upcoming 2024 election.
Potential for Amendments. Given the flexibility implied by “determined by federal law,” there could be potential amendments or changes to the election procedure leading up to the 2024 election.
Democratic Principles. The emphasis on democratic values in the constitution is likely to be a key factor in shaping the discourse around the 2024 election, underscoring the importance of free and fair elections.
Public Participation. The mention of referendums and direct expression of citizens’ will in local self-government indicates a broader commitment to public participation, which may be reflected in the 2024 election process.