Only 45 percent of Russians support political turnover through democratic elections

Only 45 percent of Russians endorse the regular turnover of political power through democratic elections, according to a recent sociological survey by the Levada Center. Just a year ago, that figure was 60 percent.

Around 22 percent of those surveyed say they believe power should be transferred by the appointment of a successor. 19 percent are convinced that a leader should rule as long as possible. Since June, however, the number of Russians wanting to see Vladimir Putin as president after 2018 has decreased from 66 percent to 57 percent. In December 2014, amid a sharp decline in the value of the ruble and oil prices, support for another term for Putin was at just 55 percent.

Demand for a “strong hand” has decreased slightly compared with Russians’ reported views in 2013 and 2014. This shows that society’s mobilization because of worsening relations with the West has begun to weaken, says the Levada Center’s deputy director, Alexei Grazhdankin. 

“People are starting to grow weary of conflict. They are more in favor of solving problems. This is why the number of those not wanting to have power in the hands of one person has return to levels seen before March 2014,” said Grazhdankin.

According to the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM), the level of support for President Vladimir Putin among Russians remains at a record high, between 87 and 88 percent.