In particular, he spoke about election funds. “Elections are not a sale of products in the form of candidates, using unlimited funds, and election funds should have their limits,” he said. “If we want to build a democratic state, reasonable limitations should be applied to election funds,” Mr. Veshnyakov stressed. According to him, there are limitations for election funds in most countries.

If there are no restrictions, “all TV space can be purchased, and an unknown candidate can become a hero in elections”. Election funds have been increased sixfold compared with the previous year.

In the parliamentary elections, only two parties – United Russia and the SPS (Union of Right Forces) – came close to the election fund ceiling. At this stage, that level if sufficient to conduct an election campaign, Mr. Veshnyakov says.

The preparedness of election commissions of all levels for the elections will be discussed at an All-Russian conference on March 10. The production of ballots is in its final stages, according to Mr. Veshnyakov. He said the number of ballots will be 110,999,750. 1.3m Russian citizens live abroad, in 140 foreign countries. They will have an opportunity to participate in the elections on March 14.