Chechnya Economy Crime Chechnya
The future of the presidency may well ride on the future of Chechnya. Boris Yeltsin's decision to invade Chechnya was, by his own admission, one of the worst mistakes of his political career.
More than 30,000 people -- mostly civilians -- have died since December 1994 when thousands of Russian troops rolled into the mostly Muslim region to end its three years of self-proclaimed independence.
Throughout his campaign, Yeltsin has been scrambling to reach an accord with rebels in the breakaway republic. Less than a week before the election, negotiators reached an agreement for the withdrawal of troops. But recent violence and other problems have clouded the future of the accord.
The essential conflict remains. Chechnya wants full independence, but Moscow has ruled this out. It remains to be seen whether the two sides can find a compromise and whether Russia's voters can forgive Yeltsin for his mistake.
Related stories:
- Chechnya's voter turnout in dispute - June 16, 1996
- Chechen peace plan on shaky ground - June 11, 1996
- Politics swirl around Chechen talks - May 26, 1996
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Economy
Russia's rocky transition from a state-controlled economy to a free market system has served some Russians well but left many more behind.
Almost one-fourth of Russians are living in poverty. Many pensioners are not receiving their checks, and other salaries have been delayed. Inflation has eroded wages. The bread lines may be gone. The shelves of stores may now be stocked with delicacies, but who can afford them? Against that backdrop, the security of the Communist system, however oppressive, is looking good to some voters.
President Boris Yeltsin hopes to persuade voters that their hardship is only temporary and that they will reap the benefits of the new system. Indeed, he has lowered the rate of inflation, built up currency reserves and attracted international investors.
In choosing their next president, Russia's voters will decide whether they want to push forward with reforms or retreat to a more familiar economy.
Related stories:
- Russia's wealthy on red alert as elections near - June 9, 1996
- Gore: U.S. support for Russia goes beyond Yeltsin - January 30, 1996
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Crime
Russian voters are very much concerned with the rise in crime since the fall of the Soviet Union.
The Russian Mafia has spread its tentacles over the globe. In 1995, police estimated that as many as 25,000 criminal gangs controlled 40,000 enterprises in Russia.
According to Russia's prosecutor general, about 39,700 people were murdered last year which, if true, would give Russia one of the highest murder rates in the world. Juvenile crime is on the rise as well.
President Boris Yeltsin has unveiled an anti-crime program, and several candidates are running on law-and-order platforms.
Related stories:
- Female inmate numbers surge in Russia's decaying prisons - January 31, 1996
- Moscow mafia terrorizes business people - April 8, 1996
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