The 1993 Parliamentary Elections in the Russian Federation: an Analysis of Electoral and Financial Aspects

The 1993 election was the first time that money became a significant factor in an election campaign. Today, issues related to the transparency of financing, political corruption, and uneven access to resources remain relevant. Although the "constituent elections" have received attention fr om researchers, issues surrounding public and private funding for political campaigns have not been adequately addressed. This article aims to identify flaws in the current electoral system regarding financial regulations, as well as answer the question of how money contributes to the success of certain political organizations. Understanding these factors can help us better understand the imbalances in the Russian party system. To conduct this research, we will use methods from historical, political, and legal disciplines, as well as basic mathematical operations. In a difficult socio-economic situation, the government, which had declared a policy of holding multiparty elections, faced challenges in subsidizing these organizations. As a result, these organizations had to find sponsors independently. The election campaign was held in a context wh ere government agencies were shown to be lenient towards violations, including financial ones related to the election process. Further legislation aimed to address these shortcomings and strengthen oversight over election funds. However, abuse during the 1996 presidential election undermined these efforts. Overall, the 1993 election experience showed that while money is an important factor in elections, it is not the only one. Financial resources can serve as an effective tool to promote promising organizations with an authentic electoral profile.