RUSSIALINK: “Kremlin not considering cancellation of ‘municipal filter'” – Interfax

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MOSCOW. Nov 2 (Interfax) – The Kremlin does not deem the cancellation or liberalization of the “municipal filter,” the assignment of another date for the unified elections day, or other drastic modifications of the electoral system to be necessary, a source close to the presidential administration told Interfax.

“Drastic modifications of election laws are not on the agenda of the presidential administration. It does not deem the cancellation or modernization of the “municipal filter,” and the reinstatement of the “none of the above” option in ballot papers to be necessary,” the source said.

“To my knowledge, the assignment of another date for the unified elections date is not under consideration, either,” he said.

On Monday, Central Elections Commission (CEC) Chairperson Ella Pamfilova called for finding solutions in the existent electoral process, primarily, addressing the “municipal filter.”

President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting marking the 25th anniversary of the Russian electoral system that the “municipal filter” did not impose strict limitations on the expression of popular will, which was proven by the recent gubernatorial elections.

The current law prescribes that a candidate for the head of a Russian constituent territory needs support of 5% to 10% of municipal deputies or elected heads of municipal authorities.

The measure was endorsed in 2012 after the reinstatement of direct elections of regional heads. According to the federal law, the level of the “municipal filter” is established by regional legislation.

Signatures in support of a candidate are submitted to the relevant elections commission together with other documents required for registration. The commission verifies signatures and decides whether the candidate will be registered or not.

[featured image is file photo]

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