The State Duma adopted in the first reading the latest “anti-extremist” amendments to the electoral legislation

On March 9, 2007, the State Duma adopted in the first reading bill N 397076-4 “On amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation (in terms of bringing a number of legislative acts into compliance with the provisions of the Federal Law “On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right to Participate in a Referendum” citizens of the Russian Federation" and establishing mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of electoral legislation).

The bill makes changes to the current electoral legislation in order to strengthen the fight against extremist manifestations, providing for the restriction of passive voting rights for persons sentenced to imprisonment for committing serious and especially serious crimes.

In particular, persons convicted of crimes of an extremist nature, who have an outstanding criminal record, as well as persons who have been subject to administrative punishment for promoting Nazi symbols will not be able to be elected to the post of president and to the positions of State Duma deputies. These conditions will also apply to those who committed extremist actions during the 4 years before voting day.

Let us recall that the previous “anti-extremist” amendments to the electoral legislation were adopted by the State Duma in November 2006.

Sources

• The State Duma adopted in the first reading amendments to the electoral legislation in order to strengthen the fight against extremism // Interfax. 2007. March 9.
• Text of the bill // Automated system for supporting legislative activities of the State Duma.
• Bill card N 397076-4 ) // Ibid.