Russia’s Return to the Direct Election of Governors: Re-Shaping the Power Vertical?

The Russian leadership was taken aback both by the relatively poor showing of the ruling party in the 2011 parliamentary elections and by the size of the popular protests against alleged electoral fraud that followed. Realizing that the existing system of top-down rule was no longer effective or fully served the elite’s own interests, the leadership initially responded by offering a number of concessions, including the restoration of direct popular elections of regional governors. The gubernatorial elections held in 2012 were stage-managed, but at least some of those held in 2013 were open to a degree of competition. The results encouraged the leadership to declare its intention to open the system up to further competition. The aim seemed to be not only to contain popular dissent but also to bring about more efficient regional government, thereby securing the elite’s continued hold on power.