Maksim Shevchenko: ‘Four parties sell seats: somebody does it from Moscow, somebody sells them on the spot’

'It is absolutely clear the general country management system becomes obsolete together the people who created it'

It is impossible to assess election in Russia. Every region had its own micro-election. In general, it is absolutely clear the general country management system becomes obsolete together the people who created it. There is quite an interesting thing: every region almost sells to local elites in power in exchange for two factors – safety and economic indicator. These are the two requirements of efficiency imposed to regions. Stability depends on the level of domestic strife that at times becomes extremist, terrorist. But it is the extreme point. A donor region is an economic indicator. The centre doesn't care at all how local elites achieve other goals.

The centre asks for not theoretic indicators that comply with democracy, constitutional principles but exact figures: for example, numbers and per cent. It doesn't matter how it is achieved: whether the ruling governor will be a democrat who will come to an agreement with the opposition and constructively build a system of regional balance or it will be a frank manipulation, humiliation of the Constitution. Let's put an example of Dagestan: 87% of votes were received with a 10 or 14% attendance. The higher the attendance is the more candidates will pass from the region. Six candidates pass with 87%. It is clear all seats are on sale.

From a perspective of the federal centre, Dagestan, Tatarstan, Khanty-Mansi Okrug where I was a scrutineer and Moscow are identical. Local specifics is in theory, so to speak. Total numbers, calculations and per cent are the result.

'It is impossible to assess election in Russia. Every region had its own micro-election. In general, it is absolutely clear the general country management system becomes obsolete together the people who created it.' Photo: Maksim Platonov

'Victory of United Russia here and now'

I think this system is murderous for Russia because it allows criminal elites in some regions to act. And some regions start to take the lead because of their capacity. And this general system makes the local elite adjust real life to imaginary indicators.

Let's suppose that United Russia is to get at least 50%. Maybe regions find it better if United Russia would have 20%, Yabloko – 20%, communists also 20% and A Just Russia – 20%? Can local groups who are behind these parties be so adequate and constructive that there can be such a creative consensus? It is a kind of partnership of competition that will comply with interests of regions. But it is not taken into account at all – victory of United Russia here and now. Here come democratic governors who are Europeans, intelligent people who would like Russia to be like West Germany or France. They have to knee their opponents and take dishonest steps beforehand to report in front of Moscow.

'It is said people have changed. But nothing has changed'

I think common interest in reporting doesn't coincide with the interests of the country. It is the main conclusion for me. Yes, they have got the Duma again. I call it a 'Duma of stability': the same four parties. It is said people have changed. But nothing has changed because these four parties are not parties. They are clubs, in fact. What ideas do these people have? We know what ideas. We all follow President's policy. Can we criticise President? It is the fifth column. What if it is a constructive criticism? What's that? Who will take such responsibility?

They don't have such people. They leave it to journalists. Journalists constructively criticise President, PM or anybody else. And politics don't have such people. All people ask there 'What would you wish?' Does it comply with the interests of such a huge and mixed country as the Russian Federation? In my opinion, no, of course. I think the absence of Yabloko in the Duma is a heavy defeat of the Kremlin at this election.

'Yes, they got the Duma again. I call it a 'Duma of stability: the same four parties. It is said people have changed. But nothing has changed because these four parties are not parties. Actually, they are clubs.' Photo: tvc.ru

We don't have parties in the Duma. There are four clubs who guarantee a seat. I don't believe that A Just Russia is a party that somebody takes seriously. They don't have a political programme. There is no ideology – they must not be in the Duma. I think all four parties sell seats: somebody does it from the central office – Moscow, somebody sells them on the spot as a franchise like I saw in Dagestan. All Dagestan knows that unknown Magramov is a Moscow businessman, the owner of the Timiryazev Market who suddenly scored 82% in the Southern District of Dagestan where nobody knows him. I can't believe it – it is an absurdity.

They make us think that absurdity is the truth. And then they convince themselves on TV and start to prove it with foam at the mouth. To tell the truth, I even don't want to oppose because there is no point. I just want to turn away, yawn and go to build a parallel life, say 'please, solve all your business problems with the Duma'. If somebody wanted to be in the Duma, he or she paid $3bn, some of them paid 5. Do you think it is fine? We don't interfere in your business. Then let us live in peace – those who believe in democracy, development, representation of different social groups, peoples, etc. But they don't let us live in peace. They think we must participate in this show voluntarily with songs. It is the problem.