Poll: Do Abkhazia residents consider voting in Russia’s State Duma elections important? Video
Russia’s State Duma elections will take place on 20 September. As most residents of Abkhazia hold dual Abkhaz-Russian citizenship, they can also take part in the vote. In the republic, which has a population of 250,000, as many as 35 polling stations have opened, and campaigning is in full swing.
Ahead of the election, we asked residents of Sukhum whether they planned to vote and whether they believed doing so would make a real difference.
The poll produced highly contradictory responses. Some people do not want to spend their day off voting in another country. Others consider it very important because, “if things go badly in Russia, things will get very hot here in Abkhazia too”.
Rustam: “For some reason, Russia is placing great importance on Abkhazia at the moment, and they really want all residents to take part in these elections. Perhaps it does not even matter how people vote, because there is no alternative. What matters is showing the turnout — that people are actively and collectively going to the polls, thereby acknowledging the assistance Russia provides to Abkhazia.
Personally, I will not vote because I see no point in it. If the [Yabloko party] had not been barred from the election, I would definitely have voted. Or I would have supported the Communists. As things stand, I do not want to spend my day off that way.”
Eliso: “I will definitely go to the polls and vote.
I will not say whom I will vote for. But as a Russian passport holder, I have the right to influence the composition of the State Duma, because the decisions made there directly affect us.
As a woman and a future mother, I want Abkhazia residents with Russian citizenship to be able to receive child benefits. I believe this bill should be among the first issues considered by the new parliamentary term.”
Timur: “I always vote in every election, both ours and Russia’s. My choice may almost never win, but I want to feel involved and have at least some opportunity to influence events. Russia directly affects us, and by voting I make my small contribution to what is happening in Abkhazia today.”
Almaskhan: “I will not vote. I never take part in elections and I am not interested in politics. I do not even know which parties are currently running or what they decide. Everything is done without us anyway. We live in a reality that we simply have to adapt to. It is impossible to change anything with a ‘tick’ on a ballot — everything has already been decided.”
Liana: “I will see how things go on Sunday, but I am not particularly keen. I do not even know whom to choose. The only party I hear about is United Russia, because its advertisements are everywhere. Everyone says it is the strongest party. And Kiriyenko (the Kremlin’s overseer of Abkhazia — JAMnews) is a member, so apparently everything here is done through them. If I go, I will probably vote for them.
The terminology, place names and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of this website.
Will Abkhaz vote in Russia’s State Duma elections?
