The 2018 Khakassia head election took place on 9 September 2018 in the Russian republic of Khakassia, after which opposition candidate Valentin Konovalov emerged victorious, although failing to reach the 50% threshold. The runoff was held on 11 November, which he also won.
For the first time in Russia since 1997, other candidates did not participate in the runoff, leading to a rarely used “in favour” and “against” choice.Выборы в Хакасии выиграл коммунист Коновалов . Vedomosti.
First round campaign At the 9 September 2018 proceedings, Communist candidate Valentin Konovalov received 44% of the vote, and the incumbent Head of Republic Viktor Zimin, nominated by the United Russia, received 32% of the vote. On 21 September Viktor Zimin withdrew his candidacy.Единоросс Виктор Зимин снял свою кандидатуру с выборов главы Хакасии The election process dictated that law the third placed candidate, Andrey Filyagin, nominated by A Just Russia, should be included but he also withdrew his candidacy on 2 October.Филягин снял кандидатуру на выборах главы Хакасии Alexander Myakhar, from the Party of Growth, refused to participate in the election.Коммунист остается один на один с избирателем The withdrawals were described as part of a coordinated effort by the political establishment to prevent Konovalov from winning, as it was considered easier to defeat him with “in favour” and “against” options rather than via a choice between him and another candidate. Konovalov now needed over 50% of the valid votes being cast “in favour” to win. An “against” result would lead to a new election.Сценарии для Хакасии: почему в регионе опять перенесли выборы губернатора
On 3 October 2018, upon the expiration of Zimin’s term, Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Mikhail Razvozhayev as the acting Head of the Republic to serve until the second round could be conducted.Путин назначил Михаила Развожаева врио главы Хакасии
Second Round campaign
Former deputy of the Supreme Council of Khakassia, Viktor Lebedev, led the anti-Konovalov forces, named ‘People's Head of Khakassia’. He called for a vote against Konovalov that would result in new elections. He was supported by the Mayor Nikolay Bulakin of Abakan, Mayor of Mikhail Valov of Sayanogorsk and rapper Denis Shulga. In the event of victory, it was hoped that the Putin-appointed interim Head Razvozhayev would take part.
Konovalov’s headquarters successfully fought off the challenge, and Konovalov was elected Head with 57.6% of the vote “in favour”.
Candidates Four candidates were registered to participate in the electionСведения о кандидатах. Выборы Главы Республики Хакасия - Председателя Правительства Республики Хакасия
Candidate Party Office Viktor ZiminUnited RussiaIncumbent Head of RepublicValentin KonovalovCommunist PartyFirst Secretary of theKhakassian Republican Branch of the Communist partyAlexander MyakharParty of GrowthEntrepreneurAndrey FilyaginA Just RussiaEntrepreneur
Results
CandidatePartyFirst roundSecond roundVotes%Votes%Valentin KonovalovCommunist Party71,55344.81101,40557.57Viktor ZiminUnited Russia51,77132.42Andrey FilyaginA Just Russia17,93011.23Alexander MyakharParty of Growth10,5516.61 Against 72,49841.16Total151,805100173,903100Valid votes151,80595.07173,90398.73Invalid/blank ballots7,8654.932,2341.27Total159670100176137100Registered voters/turnout382,28141.77385,20145.73Source: 1st round 2nd round
References