According to a recent POF poll, most Russians (55%) regard the approaching State Duma elections as a significant event, while about one-third (30%) do not attach great importance to this event, and 14% have no opinion on the issue.

Most Russians see the upcoming parliamentary elections as an event that primarily concerns “big policy” rather than daily life. Most people (59%) have a strong belief that the election results will have no effect on the lives of ordinary people, while 13% expect positive changes, 3% anticipate negative consequences, and 25% had difficulty answering the question.

Russians who reported having “always” or “often” voted (these “active voters”56% of the sample) are more likely than others to attach importance to the 2007 election campaign: 67% of them consider the parliamentary elections a significant event, and 21% disagree. Yet just like other citizens, most active voters (51%) don’t expect the elections to radically change their lives. Sixteen percent of Russians do anticipate some positive changes, 3% expect negative changes, and 30% were unable to make any predictions.

Optimistic expectations include general hopes for the future (3%) and more specific wishes, such as improvements in one’s personal financial situation (2%). Another 2% suggest that the results of the State Duma vote might further improve the country’s economy and political situation. Some respondents believe the election promises made by candidates (1%), while others associate their hopes with a probable victory of the United Russia party (1%).
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