I have watched the election process this time from a distance and I am fairly impressed. I do believe Russians had a good time with their elections in many ways. I believe that is an extremely healthy approach.
Russians are finding life to be better than in decades past, they are looking forward to their Olympics in Sochi. They have millionaires seeking office. Times are better in Russia and to that end the elections have not been disappointing for the country.
There have been low spots, but, for the most part opponents received attention for displaying balloons on cars and exchanges of expression of ideas.
There are five parties with candidates.
Vladimir Putin, nominated by United Russia
Gennady Zyuganov, nominated by Communist Party of the Russian Federation
Sergey Mironov, nominated by A Just Russia
Vladimir Zhirinovsky, nominated by Liberal Democratic Party of Russia
Mikhail Prokhorov, independent.
I believe all these men to be courage with deep love of their country. They have been willing to talk about Russia and bring freedom of speech to a more potent place in Russia. I sincerely believe Prime Minister Putin, whom is expected to win his third term, found his opponents interesting and able to contribute to the political dialogue within Russia.
For Americans the most familiar candidate besides the Prime Minister is Mr. Prokhorov, the owner of the NBA New Jersey Nets. Below are comments from an article by the BBC.
...In a recent blog, (click here) Mr Prokhorov said he saw no alternative to Mr Putin as president.
"Whether they [Russian people] like it or not, Putin is so far the only figure who can manage this inefficient state machine," Mr Prokhorov said....
Mr. Prokhorov or the other three opponents to Prime Minister Putin should not be deterred. I encourage them to seek office and continue to be an alternative voice to inspire political dialogue. When a country is doing well and the contest for leadership is sincerely between individuals and not ideologies, politics can be a great deal of fun.
Russia finds itself in a world still recovering from dynamics that were not of the people's making. It is difficult for newcomers with new faces and voices to become familiar to citizens when security is what they most rely on in changing times. None of the candidates should lose heart over the outcomes tomorrow. An election can be a new window opening and this election season in Russia can certainly be considered exactly that.
Good luck to all, I admire every one of them a great deal for the love of their country and their passion to be heard.
