ORGANIZATIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMPONENT OF THE PREPARATION AND CONDUCT OF ELECTION CAMPAIGNS IN THE USSR DURING THE PERIOD OF STALINISM

Abstract

The article describes the organizational and technical aspects of the preparation and conduct of election campaigns in the USSR during the period of Stalinism. It characterizes campaign events (formation of election commissions, preparation of documentation, preparation of lists of voters, nomination of candidates, communication, financial preparation and the like), the voting process and announcement of the results under the review of compliance with constitutional norms. The agitation campaign was highlighted as an important element of pre-election activities. The article also outlines the role of councils and executive committees at various levels in the organization and conduct of elections. It emphasizes the complete control over the electoral process by the party authorities of government, the use of manipulative technologies and administrative resource by the regime. It shows the differences between the electoral process in the Western areas where the elections were held in the presence of the troops of the Red Army and where they were compulsory.