Electoral political activity in the Russian regions in the period 2013-2017: stability and / or innovative development

Abstract

The article is devoted to the electoral trends of the last five years in Russian regional policy. The author dwells on the problem of reducing the electoral activity of citizens, highlighting the objective and subjective factors affecting political absenteeism. At the same time, the question of the interconnection of the political situation in the subjects of the Russian Federation with their innovative economic development is raised. Moreover, not always a low voter turnout is a negative indicator for the region. In a number of cases, a «balanced» and responsible voting of citizens helps the regional authorities maintain stability and ensure the dynamic development of the territory under their jurisdiction. In turn, forcing voter turnout often entails serious political and economic costs, as well as a drop in the legitimacy of the leadership of the federal subjects.