Only one-third of Russians consider that ban on political parties is possible. The main reason behind it is propaganda of nazism. Ban on communist party`s activities is not popular.
MOSCOW, August 27, 2014. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the information concerning the attitudes of Russians towards the initiative to ban the Communist party of Ukraine; whether Russians think that political parties `activities can be limited or banned; what reasons are sufficient to justify that.
Fifty-six percent of Russians have negative attitudes towards the initiative of the Kiev authorities to ban the activities of the Communist party in Ukraine. Those who oppose the idea are basically elderly persons (73% who aged over 60 vs 36% among 18-24-year-old persons) and residents of Moscow and St.Petersburg (68%). Only 5% support the idea. They are mainly respondents with elementary level of education (10%) and non-parliament parties` supporters (14%). Every third (34%) is indifferent to this question.
Half of Russians (50%) consider inappropriate to ban or limit the activities of political parties. This stance is shared by supporters of A Just Russia party (60%) and LDPR (59%). For one-third of Russians this situation is appropriate (36%); mainly residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg (45%), and supporters of CPRF (43%).
The main reason that could justify parties` ban is propaganda of nazism; it is cited by 21%. Eleven percent of Russians say that the activities of extremist parties should be limited. The shares of those who approve of ban on anti-state and unlawful activities are 5% (per each group). Four percent of Russians think that party can be dismissed if it is ineffective. Three percent of Russians do not approve of anti-people activities. Half of respondents who think that parties` ban is appropriate (45%) fail to mention any reason for that.
The VCIOM opinion poll was conducted on August 16-17, 2014. 1600 respondents were interviewed in 130 communities in 42 regions of Russia. Data are weighted by gender, age, education, working status and type of settlement. The margin of error does not exceed 3.4%.
What are your attitudes towards the idea to ban the activity of the Communist party in Ukraine? (closed-ended question, one answer) | ||||||
| Total respondents | Aged 18-24 | Aged 25-34 | Aged 35-44 | Aged 45-59 | Aged 60 and more |
Positive attitudes | 5 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Negative attitudes | 56 | 36 | 44 | 55 | 63 | 73 |
Indifferent | 34 | 48 | 45 | 35 | 28 | 18 |
Don`t know | 5 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
In your opinion, is it acceptable to ban or limit the activities of political parties? (closed-ended question, one answer) | |||||||
| Total | A Just Russia party | Supporters of LDPR | Supporters of CPRF | Supporters of United Russia party | Supporters of non-parliament parties | I would not take part in elections |
Rather yes | 36 | 34 | 34 | 43 | 37 | 40 | 32 |
Rather no | 50 | 60 | 59 | 49 | 50 | 54 | 46 |
Don`t know | 14 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 6 | 22 |
What reason is sufficient to prohibit or limit the activities of a political party? (open-ended question, not more than three answers, % of those who approve of the ban on political parties) | |
| Total respondents |
Nazism/fascism/racism | 21 |
Extremist activity | 11 |
Anti-state activity | 5 |
Unlawful activities/ amorality /immorality | 5 |
Anti-government activities | 4 |
Ineffectiveness/incompetence | 4 |
Anti-people activities | 3 |
Activities pursuing personal goals/interests/ corrupt practices | 3 |
If its activities are not approved by the society | 1 |
I am not interested in politics | 1 |
Other | 4 |
Don`t know | 45 |
Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory!