MOSCOW, November 24 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, passed a draft law Friday canceling the 20% minimum threshold for election voter turnout.
The law was sponsored by deputies from the United Russia, Rodina (Homeland) and Liberal Democratic (LDPR) factions, and also punishes extremist actions during election campaigns.
In addition to a 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, which still has to be approved by the president, also bans the use of commercials and appeals to vote against other candidates in election videos. Open debates and printed materials are not covered by the ban.
