21:38, 20 October 2017

"Russia's Revival" Party suggests referendum on direct elections in KChR

The regional party's branch has submitted an application to the Central Election Commission (CEC) of the Karachay-Cherkessian Republic (KChR) to register its initiative group for holding a referendum on direct election of the head of the republic.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on October 12 it became known that Karachay Elders called for the return of direct elections in Northern Caucasus. On October 18, the public movement "Council of Teips of Ingush People" supported this initiative and proposed to set up an independent council of elders to protect the rights of the peoples of Northern Caucasus.

Rustam Djankezov, the Secretary of the Council of the Regional Branch of the "Russia's Revival" Party, has noted that the idea to hold a referendum appeared long ago.

Let us note here that in the opinion of Valery Khatazhukov, a political analyst and human rights defender, Russian authorities believe that free elections are impossible in Northern Caucasus, referring to the traditions of the local society.

"Meanwhile, the society is ready to elect its head," Mr Khatazhukov said.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.

Author: Asya Kapaeva

Source: CK correspondent