Staircase in the State Duma (ITAR-TASS)
June 30, 2006 -- The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, today ended the right to vote "against all" candidates in elections.
In the 2004 presidential elections, more than 3 percent of voters ticked the "against all" box on ballot papers.
Lawmakers said the move would encourage voters to be more engaged in politics.
Critics say the legislation deprives people of the right to publicly register their disapproval of candidates running in an election.
The legislation still needs to be approved by the upper house and signed by President Vladimir Putin.
(compiled from agency reports)
RFE/RL Russia Report
RFE/RL Russia Report