Voting

Today Russian citizens have chosen the parties that will sit in our parliament for the next four years. I voted for the first time in my life. I knew that United Russia, a monstrous party with vague promises, that reeks a little with totalitarianism and a cult of personality, and is headed by our current president, would get the majority of voices. Other parties had lesser chances to obtain seats in the parliament. Still, I believed that my voice could make a difference. I actually like two parties from the opposition, both sharing democratic values. One of them appealed to me the most, so I voted for it.

The rough estimate is already known. United Russia gained over 60%. Three other parties won much less voices, but also made it to the parliament: first, the communists (their position is usually strong, because almost every senior citizen always votes for this party), second, a party aimed at persons aged 55+, and third, a funny party, which has a very charismatic and entertaining leader, but which political positions I can’t figure. My party and the other party that I like have gained about 1% each. Oh, by the way, the total number of parties was eleven.

I’m used to being a member of small groups. For example, I am a student in Moscow – we don’t make up to 1% of the population, I guess. I invest money in mutual funds – less than 1% of the Russian population deal with stock market either. But now I am in a small group again, and the consequence is that I, my values and my aspirations are not represented in the government. OK, I don’t want to think about politics anymore. It’s too frustrating.