Aseev claims the law on parliamentary elections in South Ossetia infringes on the rights of citizens

The new law prevents people of South Ossetia from electing persons whom they trust to manage the state, although elections are arranged in order to periodically delegate the right to govern the society on behalf of people. This is the view of Vissarion Aseev, deputy of the RF National Assembly and a political scientist.

For reference, elections to the South Ossetia parliament are going to be held on May 31. They will be held in conformance with the new law on elections signed by president Eduard Kokoity on December 24, 2008. According to the amended law, parliament deputies are to be elected by the proportional system. Candidates from parties are going to run for 34 mandates. They will have to overcome the 7 percent barrier.

Four political parties which have been registered by South Ossetia CEC are going to take part in the elections: "Unity" (chaired by Zurab Kokoyev), "RSO Communist party" (chaired by Stanislav Kochiyev), "RSO People's party" (chaired by Kazimir Pliyev), "Fydybasta" ("Native Land"), chaired by Viachaslav Gobozov.

"These are just parties on paper, they have never acted as such. People do not know their candidates", stated Vissarion Aseev to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

The political scientist notes that the former law was more democratic. "According to the old law, deputies to the parliament were moved by party lists and in constituencies", notes Vissarion Aseev.

According to Vissarion Aseev, many residents of the republic are not aware that they may not move single members. They are accustomed to elect specific persons and even now do not know in what form the elections are going to be held.