When division matters: the conditions for holding elections at unification of municipalities in Perm Krai

Abstract

The process of unification of municipal regions in Perm Krai is being completed. During the process, instead of the two-level system of local government, which included both urban and rural settlements, a single-level system of urban and municipal constituencies is being introduced. The abolition of settlements is accompanied by the liquidation of rural local authorities and holding elections into the representative organs of the newly formed constituencies. In total, 43 electoral campaigns were held in Perm Krai in the period from 2012 to 2021. How did the division of constituencies affect the results of election campaigns, as well as the representation of the interests of residents in ex-settlements? Did the division create preconditions for reduction or expansion of such territorial representation in each of the unified municipalities? What models of electoral division were used in Perm Krai? These are the questions answered in the research.