OREANDA-NEWS. January 15, 2009. Of the 170 registered candidates for the upcoming municipal elections in Arkhangelsk Oblast, as many as 131 represent the government-loyal United Russia party.

The regional branch of the United Russia Party looks set to take control over the overwhelming part of regional municipalities. According to information from the regional Election Commission, 131 of the 170 registered party candidates represent the United Russia. The Just Russia Party is represented with 29 candidates, while the Communist Party has nine candidates and the Liberal Democratic Party has three candidates.

The total domination of the United Russia Party is reflected all over the region. In municipalities like the Kholmogorie Rayon, 31 of 33 candidates represent the party. The remaining two candidates represent the Communist Party.

March 1 will be this year’s major election event in Arkhangelsk and several other Russian regions. On that date, the regional population is to elect new municipal assemblies, municipal mayors, as well as the member of the regional parliament.

In the regional parliament elections, the United Party has submitted candidate list to the Election Commission along with the Just Russia Party, the Patriots of Russia Party, the Liberal Democratic Party and the Communist Party.