Why Russia Holds Elections Despite Their Lack of Freedom

Russian elections have long been regarded as far from free or fair. Yet despite this, they remain important to the government — serving as a key source of legitimacy both domestically and internationally.

Legitimacy as the goal

Any government, even one that controls the outcome of its elections, needs some justification for holding power. Conducting elections, even manipulated ones, allows a state to present a formal democratic procedure — voting, candidates, announced results. This creates an impression of popular support that can be used both for a domestic audience and for foreign partners and rivals.

Control over the outcome

While the process formally resembles a democratic election, the actual result is secured through various mechanisms that allow the ruling side to maintain control over outcomes. This means elections function more as a ritual than as a genuine instrument of political change.

Why it matters

This approach explains why authoritarian or semi-authoritarian governments do not abandon the practice of holding elections, even when they offer voters no real choice. Holding elections allows a government to claim it rules with the consent of the people, thereby reinforcing its position both at home and on the international stage.