Sunday, March 04, 2012

Elections

I don't really have anything to say about the elections more than is being said in the media. The independent media and blogs here are reporting widespread violations of rights and election law, but frankly, they were not decisive in the result. I do, however, have two comment-questions:

The first is this: why bother? Why do the powers-that-be condone, if not personally prepare, these election-day schenanigans, if they know full well based on pre-election polling, that Putin was already well over 50% anyway? I'm certain that it says something about the mentality behind metaphorical Kremlin walls. However, it seems to me to be a poor estimate of the cost-benefit result on the image of Russian democracy, and Putin personally, among both the citizens of the RF and global opinion--not that the world is paying close attention.

Second, what now for the small but significant minority who have been activated over the last several months? Slide back into apathy? Perhaps from some, but for many with whom I've spoken recently - and these not necessarily the most active and passionate opponents - that seems unlikely. At the same time, where do they go? Into Navalnyi's anti-corruption battle? Into creating independent parties? Into something entirely different and unexpected?

Only time will tell.

As the Russians say, "как раз," Putin is about to speak to his victory rally on Manezhnoi. Who knew that the Who ca. 1971 would be the best explanation for Russian politics ca. 2012?

"Meet the new boss,
Same as the old boss."

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