Final answer:
The Russian State Duma uses a mixed electoral system, combining proportional representation with single-member districts. Recent changes to this system and the overall conduct of elections have raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Russia, the State Duma, which is the lower house of parliament, is elected through a mixed electoral system. This system blends both proportional representation and single-member district systems. Historically, half of the Duma's 450 seats were filled by direct constituency races, and the other half through party-lists. However, this has changed in recent years, with amendments that adjusted the proportion of seats allocated to each method, often sparking discussions about the impact of these changes on the democratic nature of Russian elections.
Electoral systems influence the structure and number of political parties within a country. In a plurality or 'first past the post' system, typically fewer political parties dominate the political landscape due to the 'winner-takes-all' nature of the elections. In contrast, proportional representation systems, which are common in Europe, allow for more parties to be elected to parliament, reflecting a wider array of public interests.
Russian elections have faced criticism for issues such as lack of fair competition, media control, and legal challenges that may affect the democratic process. There has been international scrutiny, in particular regarding the 2021 parliamentary elections, where changes in the voting process such as electronic voting and extended voting periods have raised concerns about transparency and potential manipulation.