MOSCOW, November 17 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's lower house of parliament adopted on a third and final reading a draft law canceling the 20% minimum threshold for election voter turnout, as well as early voting, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported Friday.
The law was passed by a 346-99 vote, against a required minimum of 226, with no abstentions.
Sponsored by deputies from the United Russia, Rodina (Homeland) and Liberal Democratic (LDPR) factions, the law also punishes extremist actions during election campaigns.
In addition to provision barring persons convicted of felonies or extremist activities from running in elections, it also bars persons who have incurred administrative penalties for propagating Nazi slogans and regalia.
The law bans the use of commercials and appeals to vote against other candidates in election videos. The ban does not concern open debates and printed materials.
