The Intelligence from The Economist Potemkin polls: Russia’s elections
Sep 20, 2021
Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia editor, provides sharp insights on the recent elections, revealing how United Russia's proclaimed victory was tainted by fraud and opposition resilience. Avantika Chilcotty discusses the Gates Foundation's evolving role post-divorce, assessing its significant contributions to global health amidst questions about efficiency. The conversation also touches on innovative approaches to improving tea flavor through microbiomes, blending politics and philanthropy with a touch of science.
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Putin's Party Wins Amidst Fraud Allegations
- United Russia, Vladimir Putin's party, secured victory in Russia's legislative elections.
- Independent observers cited significant electoral fraud, including ballot stuffing and restricted opposition participation.
Opposition Forces in Russian Elections
- Two key forces drove the opposition's performance in the Russian elections.
- The Communist Party gained traction as a legitimate opposition, while Alexei Navalny's 'smart voting' system influenced voter choices.
Kremlin's Crackdown on Smart Voting
- The Kremlin attempted to suppress Navalny's 'smart voting' system.
- They pressured tech companies like Google and Apple to remove Navalny's voting app, raising concerns about internet freedom.