Quote Originally Posted by xdns View Post

I think that the results would have been more unpredictable if, for example, the communists were represented by Sergei Udaltsov (his photo on Wikipedia is full of revolutionary romanticism ; BTW, he is a great grandson of famous Bolshevik, member of RSDLP since 1905), Grigory Yavlinsky was not declared ineligible to participate in the elections, and there was Alexey Navalny running. But I think Putin would have won this time even in this case - just not so gloriously - because he is really popular.

The thing I hate most of all is the increase in the duration of a presidential term from now on.
I want to elect new president every 4, or maybe 5 years - but definitely not 6! In my opinion, it's too long...

If you remove the red flags, Sergei Udaltsov in his Wiki photo looks like a skinhead looking for an immigrant to beat up.. I would never have guessed he was a communist....

About the 6 years.. It is certainly longer than standard. I have 3 comments

1) Am I right to guess that 2 x 6 years will take Putin right up to his retirement?

2) 6 years is at least 2 years longer than the European standard. Germany has 4 years, to mention another large country. The UK has a maximum of 5 years, but usually it's shorter. They are not a god example to follow for increasing democracy though. France or Germany are better.

3) A longer period COULD be good if Edinaya Rossia really has some solid good plans that would take a while to implement and come to fruition. Efter 6 years they cannot use any excuses for failures etc. Either they have some successes to point to, or they have not...