This second economy, of course, generates no tax revenue. As the economic crisis worsens, the potential for corruption grows. It is hard to believe from today s perspective, that the Duma will take on this challenge anytime soon. The coming Russian Duma election on 19 December should be seen as a runup to the presidential election next June when Yelt sin successor will be chosen. The one positive feature of this month s election is that it is taking place at all and that such votes are regarded as a normal part of the political process.
Russian elections are relatively free outright fraud occurs only at the margins.
The Kremlin still controls two TV channels and is using them to spew venom on its opponents to drive them out of the race. The main target is Primakov, whom the Kremlin fears is a truly independent candidate in the presidential race. The Kremlin is counting on the Communist party, and a broader group of dirty tricksters, The December Duma election and June presidential election are, as I have suggested, two phases of one process. The small circle around Yel tsin is playing a critical role. There has been no real development of a party system in Russia this decade - thanks in part to Kremlin efforts but also to the amorphous nature of Russian society.