Participation and the success of economic and political reforms: A lesson from the 1993 Russian parliamentary elections

Abstract

In December 1993, observers of Russian politics were surprised that Vladimir Zhirinovskii and his party performed so well in the parliamentary elections and that the reformers did not attract more voters. Two explanations for this outcome have become widely accepted. The first maintains that Russians were expressing their discontent with economic hardships, while the second contends that the balance of political forces accounts for the reformists' defeat. To the contrary, it appears that it was not the unwillingness of Russians to participate in market reforms and to accept key aspects of the government's programmes, nor was it the combination of the division of the democrats, the invisibility of Yeltsin and the unity of the right wing that produced the unexpected results. Rather, the arrogance of the reformers and the alienation of the Russian public explain the election outcome. These two factors explain why the democrats split as they did and why the type of campaigns waged had such an impact on the fortunes of the political groupings. The inclusion of the populace in economic and political decision-making is therefore vital; only with the development of meaningful links between the elite and the grassroots can support for the market and democracy be built in Russia.

Systemic Pressures and the Intersubjective Bases of State Autonomy in Russia: A Constructivist-Institutionalist Theory of Economic Crisis and Change

“…For example, a survey conducted by the Media and Opinion Research Department of the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Research Institute (MOR) in May 1993 -seven months before the December elections -showed that approximately 58 percent of respondents supported some type of market system rather than a return to the old model. 48 The election results are better seen as stemming from a widespread alienation from the regime, as 48 percent of Russians suggested that 'no one' could lead Russia out of its crisis. 49 The alienation would only increase over the next several years, as 'politics' occurred far more within the state and among industrial elites than at the mass level.…”

“…48 The election results are better seen as stemming from a widespread alienation from the regime, as 48 percent of Russians suggested that 'no one' could lead Russia out of its crisis. 49 The alienation would only increase over the next several years, as 'politics' occurred far more within the state and among industrial elites than at the mass level. These trends peaked in 1995, when, facing a difficult battle for re-election, the Yeltsin regime struck a deal with the economic 'oligarchs' -wealthy industrialists who controlled TV networks and other media.…”