How Do Electors Respond to an "Unfair" Election? The Experience of Russians

Abstract

Was the 2007 Russian Duma election fair? International observers have agreed that it was unfair. Survey data from the 2007 Russian Duma election finds that most Russians disagree with international observers and they also disagree among themselves about the fairness of the Duma ballot. This article tests hypotheses about popular response to that election, accounting for differences in opinion, partisanship, the performance of the government, and individual socio-economic characteristics. The extent to which those who saw the election as unfair are less likely to support the political regime is also tested. The conclusion considers conditions in which perceptions of an unfair election can encourage positive change in a regime or the strengthening of authoritarianism.