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Chapter VII. VOTER INFORMATION AND ELECTION CAMPAIGNING Article 45. Informational Support of the Election of the President of the Russian Federation The informational support of the election of the President of the Russian Federation shall include voter information and election campaigning and shall promote the conscious expression of voters' will and transparency of the election of the President of the Russian Federation. Article 46. Voter Information 1. Voter information shall be carried out by bodies of state power, bodies of local self-government, election commissions, mass media organizations, legal entities and natural persons in accordance with this Federal Law, Federal Law “On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum.” Bodies of state power, bodies of local self-government shall not be entitled to inform voters about candidates, political parties. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 2. Informational materials carried by the mass media or disseminated by other methods shall be objective and accurate and shall not violate the equality of the candidates. 3. Information of voters, including through the mass media, about the preparation and conduct of the election of the President of the Russian Federation, the time and procedure for the performance of electoral actions, the political parties which nominated candidates, the candidates, the groups of voters, the legislation on the election of the President of the Russian Federation shall be carried out by the election commissions. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 4. Mass media organizations shall be free in their voter information activities carried out in accordance with this Federal Law. 5. In TV and radio news programs and in the publications carried by the print media reports concerning election campaigning events organized by candidates, their agents, political parties, groups of voters shall be presented exclusively in the form of separate news items, without any comments. Such news items shall not be paid for by candidates, their agents and authorized representatives for financial matters, by political parties, groups of voters. They shall not give preference to any candidate and shall not discriminate against (infringe the rights of) any candidate, in particular with regard to the length of time devoted to the coverage of his election campaigning or amount of space allocated to such reports in the print media. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 6. Journalists, other creative workers and officials of a mass media organization who engaged in the activity aimed at the informational support of the election of the President of the Russian Federation in accordance with the legislation on the election of the President of the Russian Federation may not be fired by the employer and may not be transferred without their consent to other jobs during the election campaign in the election of the President of the Russian Federation and for one year after the end of this election campaign, save the case where a disciplinary action was taken against them in accordance with the labor legislation of the Russian Federation and this action was not appealed to a court or was declared lawful and appropriate by a court. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 7. On voting day, before the end of voting, no information about the vote returns, the results of the election of the President of the Russian Federation shall be published (made public) and no such information shall be placed in the public information-telecommunications networks (including the Internet) on the territory of the Russian Federation. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) Article 47. Opinion Poll s 1. Publication of opinion polls related to the election of the President of the Russian Federation shall constitute a form of voter information. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 2. When publishing (making public) the results of opinion polls related to the election of the President of the Russian Federation the mass media, citizens and organizations announcing such results shall indicate the organization which conducted the poll, the time when it was conducted, the number of respondents (sample size), how the information was gathered, the region where the poll was conducted, the precise wording of the question, the statistical assessment of a possible error and the person (persons) who ordered the poll and paid for the publication of its results. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 3. For five days before voting day and on voting day it shall be prohibited to publish (make public) the results of opinion polls, forecasts of the outcome of the election or other studies related to the given election of the President of the Russian Federation, in particular in the public information-telecommunications networks (including the Internet). Article 48. TV and Radio Broadcasting Organizations and Print Media Used for Informational Support of the Election of President of the Russian Federation 1. The informational support of the election of the President of the Russian Federation shall be provided by the state, municipal and non-state TV and radio broadcasting organizations and print media. 2. In this Federal Law "state TV and radio broadcasting organizations and print media” means the TV and radio broadcasting organizations and print media whose founders (co–founders) or the founders (co–founders) of the editorial boards of which are state bodies and organizations as of the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation and/or which received state support in the form of subsidies and/or subventions for their functioning from the federal budget or the budget of a subject of the Russian Federation during the year preceding the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation and/or which have a charter (pool) capital in which the Russian Federation or a subject of the Russian Federation has a stake (contribution) as of the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 3. In this Federal Law “municipal TV and radio broadcasting organizations and print media” means TV and radio broadcasting organizations and print media whose founders (co–founders) or the founders (co–founders) of the editorial boards of which are municipal bodies and organizations as of the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation and/or which received municipal support in the form of subsidies and/or subventions for their functioning from the local budget during the year preceding the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election and/or which have a charter (pool) capital in which a municipality has a stake (contribution) as of the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 4. In this Federal Law “non-state TV and radio broadcasting organizations and print media” means TV and radio broadcasting organizations and print media which do not fall within Clauses 2 and 3 of this article. 5. In this Federal Law, depending on territory of the dissemination of the information, the TV and radio broadcasting organizations and print media are divided into: (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 1) national TV and radio broadcasting organizations, i.e., TV and radio broadcasting organizations which have a broadcasting license covering the territory of a half or more than a half of the subjects of the Russian Federation and TV and radio broadcasting organizations issuing TV and radio programs disseminated on a contractual basis by other TV and radio broadcasting organizations on the territory of a half or more than a half of the subjects of the Russian Federation; (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 2) regional TV and radio broadcasting organizations, i.e., TV and radio broadcasting organizations which have a broadcasting license and disseminate TV and radio programs on the territory of less than a half of the subjects of the Russian Federation, as well as the relevant divisions of TV and radio broadcasting organizations indicated in Sub–Clause 1 of this clause; (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 3) national print media, i.e., print media outlets registered for distribution in a half or more than a half of the subjects of the Russian Federation; 4) regional print media, i.e., print media outlets registered for distribution in less than a half of the subjects of the Russian Federation. 6. The print media outlets founded by the legislative (representative), executive and judicial bodies of state power, bodies of local self-government exclusively for the publication of their official materials and reports, regulations and other acts shall not publish any election propaganda materials or editorial articles covering the activity of candidates, political parties which nominated candidates and groups of voters. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 7. The list of the national state TV and radio broadcasting organizations and national state print media shall be published by the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation on the basis of the information submitted by the federal body of executive power in charge of the registration of the mass media, within ten days of the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005). 8. The list of the regional state TV and radio broadcasting organizations and state print media and of the municipal TV and radio broadcasting organizations and municipal print media shall be published by the election commissions of the subjects of the Russian Federation on the basis of the information submitted by the territorial agencies of the federal body of executive power in charge of the registration of the mass media, within ten days of the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation. (Clause 8 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 9. The lists mentioned in Clauses 7 and 8 of this article shall be submitted to the relevant election commissions within five days of the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation. These lists shall include the following information about each TV and radio broadcasting organization, each print media outlet: 1) the name of the TV and radio broadcasting organization or the name of the print media outlet; 2) the legal address of the TV and radio broadcasting organization or the print media outlet; 3) the founder (founders) of the TV and radio broadcasting organization or the founder (founders) of the print media outlet and the editorial board of the print media outlet; 4) the type and scope of state (municipal) support (if such support was provided during the year preceding the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation); 5) the stake (contribution) of the Russian Federation, subjects of Russian Federation and/or municipalities in (to) the charter (pool) capital (if any) as of the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation; 6) the frequency of publication of the print media outlet; 7) the statement indicating that the TV and radio broadcasting organization or the print media outlet is a specialized entity (for specialized TV and radio broadcasting organizations and print media). (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) Article 49. Election Campaigning 1. The following shall be considered as election campaigning during the period of the election campaign: 1) calls for voting for or against any candidate (candidates); (as amended by Federal Laws No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) No. 107-FZ of July 12, 2006) 2) expression of preference for any candidate, any political party which nominated a candidate, in particular statements indicating the candidate for which the voter will vote (with the exception of the publication of opinion polls in accordance with Clause 2, Article 47 of this Federal Law); (Sub–Clause 2 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005); 3) description of possible consequences of the election or non–election of any candidate; 4) dissemination of materials with a clear predomination of information about some candidates, political parties which nominated candidates accompanied by positive or negative comments; (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 5) dissemination of information about the activities of any candidate which is not related to his professional activity or performance of his official duties; 6) activities promoting formation of a positive or negative attitude of voters towards any candidate, any political party to which the given candidate belongs, any political party which nominated a candidate; (Sub–Clause 6 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 7) Repealed. – Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005. 1.1. Actions mentioned in Sub–Clause 1, Clause 1 of this article, performed by members of the press as part of their professional activities, shall be deemed as election campaigning if these actions are performed to encourage voters to vote for or against any candidate (candidates); actions mentioned in Sub–Clauses 2 – 6, Clause of this article shall be deemed as election campaigning if repeatedly performed for this purpose. (Sub–Clause 1.1 was added by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005 and amended by Federal Law No. 107-FZ of July 12, 2006) 2. The election campaigning may be conducted: 1) on the channels of the TV and radio broadcasting organizations and in the print media; 2) by means of public campaigning events; (Sub–Clause 2 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 3) by producing and distributing printed, audio-visual and other election propaganda materials; 4) by other means which are not prohibited by law. 3. Election campaigning on the channels of the TV and radio broadcasting organizations and in the print media shall be conducted in the form of public debates, discussions, roundtables, press conferences, interviews, speeches, demonstration of TV stories and video films about registered candidates and in other forms which are not prohibited by law. A candidate, political party may determine by themselves the contents, form and methods of their election campaigning conduct the election campaigning by themselves and involve other persons in the election campaigning in accordance with the procedure established by the Russian Federation laws. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 4. Election campaigning shall not be conducted and no election propaganda materials shall be produced and distributed by: 1) federal bodies of state power, bodies of state power of the subjects of the Russian Federation, other state bodies, bodies of local self-government; 2) persons occupying state offices or municipal elective offices, state or municipal civil servants, persons who are members of the governing bodies of organizations regardless of the form of ownership (in organizations where the highest governing body is the general meeting – members of bodies which manage the activity of these organizations), with the exception of political parties, when such persons are discharging their official duties and/or when they take advantage of their office and official position to conduct election campaigning; (Sub–Clause 2 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 3) military units, military establishments and organizations; 4) charitable and religious organizations and organizations founded by them as well as members of and participants in religious associations when they are performing rites and ceremonies; (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 5) election commissions, voting members of election commissions; 6) foreign nationals, stateless persons, foreign organizations; (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 6.1) international organizations and international public movements; (Sub–Clause 6.1 was added by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 7) members of the press when they are engaged in their professional activities; 8) persons in respect of whom it was established by a court decision that they violated the restrictions imposed by Clause 1, Article 56 of the Federal Law “On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum” during the election campaign in the election of the President of the Russian Federation. (Sub–Clause 8 was added by Federal Law No. 64-FZ of April 26, 2007) 5. Persons who occupy state offices or municipal elective offices shall be prohibited from conducting election campaigning on the channels of the TV and radio broadcasting organizations and in the print media unless these persons are registered as candidates, authorized representatives of political parties which nominated registered candidates. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 6. It shall be prohibited to involve persons, who have not attained to the age of 18 years as of voting day, in election campaigning, in particular to use pictures and statements of such persons in election propaganda materials except as otherwise provided by Sub–Clause 5, Clause 7 of this article. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 7. Pictures of a natural person or statements of a natural person about any candidate, any political party which nominated a candidate may be used only with the written consent of this natural person. The document confirming such consent shall be submitted to the relevant election commission together with copies of the election propaganda materials submitted in accordance with Clause 3, Article 55 of this Federal Law. If an election campaigning material is to be aired by a TV and radio broadcasting organization or published in a print media outlet, such document shall be submitted to the election commission upon its request. This restriction shall not apply to: 1) the use by a political party of statements made by its candidates about this political party; 2) the use of published statements about any candidate, any political party which nominated a candidate, which indicate the publication date (period of time) of such statements and the name of the mass media outlet where they were published. A reference in election propaganda materials to such statement of a natural person who is not entitled to conduct election campaigning under this Federal Law shall be allowed only if this statement was published before the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation. Such reference shall indicate the date (period of time) when this statement was published and the mass media outlet where it was published; 3) the quotation of statements about any candidate, any political party which nominated a candidate, which were published by other political parties in their election propaganda materials produced and distributed in accordance with this Federal Law. 4) Repealed. – Federal Law No. 64-FZ of April 26, 2007; 5) the use by any candidate of his pictures, the use by a political party of the picture of the candidate which it nominated, including such pictures showing the candidate with his spouse, children (including children who have not attained to the age of 18 years), parents and other next of kin, or with undefined persons. (Sub–Clause as amended by Federal Law No. 64-FZ by Federal Law of April 26, 2007) (Sub–Clause 7 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 8. Election campaigning expenditures shall be paid exclusively from the electoral funds of registered candidates, save the cases where free air time and free print space is provided to registered candidate and to political parties in accordance with the procedure set forth in Articles 51 – 53 of this Federal Law. Payment of expenditures incidental to election campaigning in favor any candidate from the electoral funds of other candidates shall be prohibited. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 9. Not later than 20 days before voting day, a political party which nominated a candidate registered by the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation shall publish its election program in at least one national state print media outlet, post it on the Internet and within the same period shall submit a copy of the said publication to the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, indicating the URL of the web site on which the election program of this political party is posted. Publication of such election program shall be carried out with the use of the free print space provided to the political party or such publication shall be paid for from the electoral fund of the candidate. (as amended by Federal Laws No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005), No. 64-FZ of April 26, 2007) Article 50. Campaigning Period 1. Election campaigning shall commence from the day of nomination of a candidate and end at 00:00 hours local time one day before voting day. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 2. Election campaigning on the channels of the TV and radio broadcasting organizations and in the print media shall be conducted in the period which begins 28 days before voting day and ends at 00:00 hours local time one day before voting day. In the event of a repeat vote election campaigning shall be conducted within the period indicated in Clause 5 of this article. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 3. Any election campaigning shall be prohibited on voting day and a day before. 4. Printed propaganda materials (leaflets, posters, etc.), which were earlier displayed outside the premises of election commissions and polling stations at a minimum distance of 50 meters from the entrance thereto in accordance with the procedure established by the federal law, shall remain in place on voting day. (Clause 4 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 5. In the event of a repeat vote the campaigning period shall commence from the day on which the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation publishes the decision to hold a repeat vote and end at 00.00 hours local time one day before the day of the repeat vote. Election campaigning on the channels of the state and municipal TV and radio broadcasting organizations shall be resumed on weekdays in the period which commences on the third day after publication of the decision of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation to hold a repeat vote and end at 00.00 hours local time one day before the day of the repeat vote. Election campaigning in the state and municipal print media shall be resumed in the period which commences on the third day after publication of the decision of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation to hold a repeat vote and end at 00.00 hours local time one day before the day of the repeat vote. Article 51. General Terms and Conditions for Election Campaigning on the Channels of TV and Radio Broadcasting Organizations and in Print Media 1. Air time on the channels of the TV and radio broadcasting organizations and space in the print media may be made available to registered candidates in accordance with the procedure established by this article, Articles 52 and 53 of this Federal Law, free of charge (free air time, free print space) or for a charge. 2. Free air time and free print space shall be also provided to political parties which nominated registered candidates in accordance with the procedure established by this Federal Law. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 2.1. Free air time, free print space shall not be provided: 1) to political parties which nominated registered candidates which are in arrears to the state TV and radio broadcasting organizations and state print media as of the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation, in connection with the provision of free air time, free print space to these political parties (election blocs comprising these parties) during the earlier election of deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation or the earlier election of the President of the Russian Federation; 2) to political parties which nominated registered candidates if they are legal successors of political parties or other public associations which were in arrears to the state TV and radio broadcasting organizations and state print media in connection with the provision of free air time, free print space to these political parties or public associations (election blocs which comprised them) during the earlier election of deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation or the earlier election of the President of the Russian Federation and which failed to repay their debt in full as of the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation; 3) registered candidates nominated by the political parties referred to in Sub–Clauses 1 and 2 of this clause. (Clause 2.1 was added by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 3. Registered candidates, political parties which nominated registered candidates shall not use free air time, free print space for election campaigning in favor of other registered candidates. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 4. In the event of a repeat (runoff) vote air time, print space shall be provided to the two registered candidates on whom the repeat vote is to be conducted. 5. The state and municipal TV and radio broadcasting organizations and the state and municipal print media shall ensure equal terms and conditions of election campaigning for registered candidate, political parties which nominated registered candidates, in particular for the presentation of their election programs to voters. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 6. The municipal TV and radio broadcasting organizations and the municipal print media may provide air time and print space to registered candidates for election campaigning for a charge. 7. The non-state TV and radio broadcasting organizations and the non-state print media registered not less than one year before the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation and the non-state print media founded by political parties (or their structural divisions) and registered less than one year before the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation may provide paid air time and paid print space to registered candidates and political parties which nominated registered candidate if such organizations and print media comply with the requirements set forth in Clauses 8 and 9 of this article. Other non-state TV and radio broadcasting organizations and non-state print media shall not provide air time, print space to registered candidate, political parties which nominated registered candidates. (Clause 7 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 8. The terms of payment for the provision of air time, print space shall be the same for all registered candidates to whom air time and print space were provided. This requirement shall not apply to the print media founded by candidates, political parties which nominated candidates. In this Federal Law the "print media founded by candidates” means print media founded not less than one year before the commencement of the election campaign by a citizen (citizens) of the Russian Federation who participates (participate) in the election of the President of the Russian Federation as a candidate (candidates).. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 9. Information about the rates charged (in the Russian Federation currency) for air time, print space and other terms of payment shall be announced by the TV and radio broadcasting organizations, the print media not later than 30 days after the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation. Within this period this information and a notice of readiness to provide air time, print space to registered candidates shall be submitted to: the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation – by the national TV and radio broadcasting organizations and the national print media; the election commissions of the subjects of the Russian Federation – by the regional and municipal TV and radio broadcasting organizations and the regional and municipal print media. 10. Non-state and municipal TV and radio broadcasting organizations and print media, specialized TV and radio broadcasting organizations and print media and state print media which are published less than once a week may refuse to provide air time, print space for election campaigning. Such refusal shall be expressed in the form of non-submission of the notice mentioned in Clause 9 of this article to the relevant election commission within the period established by this clause. 11. The TV and radio broadcasting organizations and the print media (regardless of the form of ownership) which provided air time, print space to registered candidates, political parties which nominated registered candidates shall keep separate records of their amount and cost in accordance with the forms and procedures of such record–keeping established by the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation. Within 10 days after voting date, the data thus recorded shall be submitted to: (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation – by the national TV and radio broadcasting organizations and the national print media; the election commissions of the subjects of the Russian Federation – by the regional and municipal TV and radio broadcasting organizations and regional and municipal print media. 12. The TV and radio broadcasting organizations and the national print media (regardless of the form of ownership) which provided air time, print space to registered candidates, political parties which nominated registered candidates shall, upon the request of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, and the regional and municipal TV and radio broadcasting organizations and the regional and municipal print media included in the list of the aforementioned TV and radio broadcasting organizations and print media, upon the request of the election commission of a subject of the Russian Federation, shall provide these election commissions with documents confirming the consent of registered candidates to paid work being performed and paid services being provided to them.. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 13. Free or paid air time or print space for election campaigning shall be provided under a written contract concluded between the TV and radio broadcasting organization or the print media outlet and a candidate, political party before such air time or print space is provided. When concluding the contract for provision of free air time or free print space a political party shall assume the obligation to repay any debts that may arise in the case provided for in Article 63 of this Federal Law. (as amended by Federal Laws No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005, No. 64-FZ of April 26, 2007) 14. The mass media organizations shall keep the documents relating to provision of free and paid air time and print space, mentioned in Clauses 11 – 13 of this article, for not less than three years after voting day. Article 52. Terms and Conditions for Election Campaigning on Television and Radio 1. Registered candidates, save the candidates mentioned in Clause 2.1, Article 51 of this Federal Law, shall be entitled to free air time on the channels of the state TV and radio broadcasting organizations, which is to be provided to them on equal terms and conditions (length of the provided air time, airing time, etc.). Political parties which nominated registered candidates, with the exception of the political parties mentioned in Clause 2.1, Article 51 of this Federal Law, shall be entitled to free air time on the channels of the state TV and radio broadcasting organizations which is to be provided to them on equal terms and conditions. (Clause 1 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 2. Repealed. – Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005. 3. The total amount of free air time which each national state TV and radio broadcasting organization allocates on each of its channels for election campaigning shall be not less than one hour on business days within the period established by Clauses 2 and 5, Article 50 if this Federal Law. The total amount of free air time which each regional state TV and radio organization allocates on each of its channels for election campaigning shall be not less than 30 minutes on business days within the period established by Clauses 2 and 5, Article 50 of this Federal Law and, if the total broadcasting time of this organization is less than two hours a day – not less than one–fourth of the total broadcasting time. If, as a result of provision of free air time, each registered candidate, each political party which nominated a registered candidate is to receive more than 60 minutes of free air time, the total amount of free air time which each TV and radio broadcasting organization is to make available for election campaigning shall be reduced to 60 minutes multiplied by the number of registered candidate, political parties which nominated registered candidates. (Clause 3 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 4. Free air time shall be provided within broadcasting periods viewed or listened to by the greatest number of persons, as determined by the given TV and radio broadcasting organization. 5. One third of the total amount of free air time provided by the state TV and broadcasting organizations, with the exception of free air time made available in the event of a repeat vote, shall be allocated for election campaigning to political parties which nominated registered candidates. These political parties shall choose the form of election campaigning at their discretion and may, by mutual agreement or at the suggestion of the TV and radio broadcasting organizations, conduct joint campaigning events or make the air time allocated to them available to the registered candidates which they nominated. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 6. One half, and in the period of a repeat vote, two–thirds of the total amount of free air time made available by the state TV and radio broadcasting organizations shall be allocated to registered candidates for conducting debates, roundtables or other joint campaigning events. All registered candidates shall be allowed to use this portion of free air time on equal terms and conditions. The TV and radio broadcasting organization may increase the amount of air time to be used for joint campaigning events within the limits of the total amount of air time to be allocated to registered candidates. (as amended by Federal Laws No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005, No. 64–FZ of April 26, 2007) 7. Registered candidates may participate in joint campaigning events on the channels of the national state TV and radio broadcasting organizations only in person. Representatives of registered candidates shall not be allowed to participate in joint campaigning events, save as otherwise provided by Clause 8 of this article. For the refusal to accept for consideration the complaint challenging the constitutionality of Clause 8 of Article 52 see Ruling of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation No. 299–O of September 30, 2004. 8. If, owing to compelling circumstances (illness, performance of official duties), a registered candidate cannot take part in a joint campaigning event on the channel of the national state TV and radio broadcasting organization, his agent may participate in the joint campaigning event instead of him. 9. The agent of a registered candidate may participate instead of the registered candidate in joint campaigning events held on the channels of regional state TV and radio broadcasting organizations. 10. The registered candidate may refuse to take part in a joint campaigning event not later than five days before the program is to be aired and if the program is scheduled to be aired less than five days after lot–drawing – on the day of lot–drawing. (as amended by Federal Laws No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005, No. 64–FZ of April 26, 2007) 11. In the cases provided for in Clauses 7 and 10 of this article, the amount of air time allocated for a joint campaigning event shall not be reduced even if only one participant is able to participate in the event. Non–participation of any registered candidate in a joint campaigning event shall not result in an increase in the amount of free air time allocated to this candidate in accordance with Clause 12 of this article. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 12. The remaining part of the total amount of free air time (if any) shall be distributed not later than 32 days before voting day between registered candidates, save the registered candidates mentioned in Clause 2.1, Article 51 of this Federal Law and the registered candidates who refused to use free air time, on the equal terms and conditions (length of air time, airing time, etc.). The free air time provided in accordance with Clause 5 of this article shall be distributed between political parties which nominated registered candidates and applied for participation in lot–drawing to be conducted in accordance with Clause 2.1, Article 51 of this Federal Law, save the political parties mentioned in Clause 2.1, Article 51 of this Federal Law. (Clause 12 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 13. Lot–drawing to determine the dates and time when election propaganda materials of registered candidate and political parties, joint campaigning events are to be aired free of charge on the channels of the national state TV and radio broadcasting organizations shall be conducted by the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation with the participation of TV and radio broadcasting organizations. Lot–drawing to determine the dates and time when propaganda materials of registered candidate and political parties, joint campaigning events are to aired free of charge on the channels of the regional state TV and radio broadcasting organizations shall be conducted by the election commissions of the subjects of the Russian Federation with the participation of TV and radio broadcasting organizations. Lot–drawing shall be conducted after the registration of candidates is completed but not later than 30 days before voting day, or, in the event of a repeat vote, not later than one day from the day on which a repeat vote is announced. The lot-drawing procedure may be witnessed by persons mentioned in Clause 1, Article 23 of this Federal Law. The results of lot-drawing shall be recorded in a protocol. The air time distribution schedule determined on the basis of lot-drawing results shall be published in the national and regional state print media. (as amended by Federal Laws No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005, No. 64–FZ of April 26, 2007) 14. The state TV and radio broadcasting organizations shall reserve air time to be used by registered candidates for election campaigning on a paid basis. The rates and the terms of payment shall be the same for all registered candidates. The total amount of paid air time to be reserved by each TV and radio broadcasting organization shall not be less than the total amount of free air time but shall not exceed this amount by more than two times. 15. A registered candidate shall be entitled, for a charge, to receive reserved air time within the limits of its part to be found by dividing the total amount of the reserved air time by the total number of the registered candidates. 16. The dates and time when joint campaigning events and/or election propaganda materials of registered candidates are to be aired on a paid basis shall be determined by means of lot-drawing to be organized by the state TV and radio broadcasting organizations with the participation of interested persons on the basis of written applications for participation in the lot-drawing from registered candidates. The lot-drawing shall be conducted within the period established by Clause 13 of this article. The lot-drawing procedure may be witnessed by members of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, members of the election commission of a subject of the Russian Federation and the persons mentioned in Clause 1, Article 23 of this Federal Law. (as amended by Federal Law No. 64–FZ of April 26, 2007) 17. Municipal TV and radio broadcasting organizations which complied with the provisions of Clause 9, Article 51 of this Federal Law shall provide air time to registered candidates for election campaigning on a paid basis. The rates and the terms of payment shall be the same for all registered candidates. Municipal TV and radio broadcasting organizations shall determine at their own discretion the total amount of air time to be made available to registered candidates. The dates and time when joint campaigning events and/or election propaganda materials of each registered candidate are to be aired shall be determined by means of lot-drawing to be organized by TV and radio broadcasting organizations with the participation of interested persons on the basis of written applications for participation in the lot-drawing from registered candidates. The lot-drawing shall be conducted within the period established by Clause 13 of this article. (as amended by Federal Law No. 64–FZ of April 26, 2007) 18. If, after lot-drawing, a registered candidate, a political party which nominated a registered candidate refuses to use air time, they shall inform the relevant TV and radio broadcasting organization to this effect in writing not later than five days before the scheduled airing time or, if the program is to go on the air less than five days after the lot–drawing, on the day of the lot–drawing, and this TV and radio broadcasting organization may use the released air time at its discretion. (as amended by Federal Laws No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005, No. 64–FZ of April 26, 2007) 19. Non-state TV and radio broadcasting organizations which complied with the provisions of Clause 9, Article 51 of this Federal Law shall provide air time to registered candidates on equal terms and conditions. Non-state TV and radio broadcasting organizations which fail to meet this requirement and non-state TV and radio broadcasting organizations which failed to comply with the provisions of Clause 9, Article 51 of this Federal Law shall not be allowed to provide air time to registered candidates for election campaigning purposes. 20. The contracts for the provision of paid air time shall indicate the following: the type (form) of election campaigning; the airing date and time; the length of air time to be provided; the rates and the terms of payment; the form and conditions of participation of a journalist (moderator) in the TV or radio program. After the provisions of the contract have been carried out, a services delivery certificate and a document containing information about the used air time shall be executed to confirm the performance of the contractual obligations, with the indication of the broadcasting channel, the name of the program and its airing time. (as amended by Federal Law No. 64–FZ of April 26, 2007) 21. Not later than two days before the day on which air time is to be provided or, in the event of a repeat vote, before provision of air time a registered candidate shall present a payment order to a branch of the Savings Bank of the Russian Federation instructing the bank to remit the full amount of the payment for the air time. The registered candidate shall submit a copy of the payment order endorsed by the branch of the Savings Bank of the Russian Federation to the TV and radio broadcasting organizations before provision of air time. If this requirement is not met, provision of air time on the channels of TV and radio broadcasting organizations shall not be allowed. 22. A branch of the Savings Bank of the Russian Federation shall remit the money not later than the next banking day after receipt of the payment order. The time for processing non-cash remittances shall not exceed two banking days within any subject of the Russian Federation or five banking days within the Russian Federation. 23. If, while using paid air time, a registered candidate violates the provisions of this Federal Law, the TV and radio broadcasting organization may apply to a court for canceling the contract for provision of air time. (as amended by Federal Law No. 64–FZ of April 26, 2007) 24. Transmission of election propaganda materials and joint campaigning events on the channels of TV and radio broadcasting organizations shall not be interrupted, in particular by commercials advertising goods and services. (Clause 24 as amended by Federal Law No. 64–FZ of April 26, 2007) 25. Transmission of election propaganda materials and joint campaigning events on the channels of TV and radio broadcasting organizations shall not be interrupted for transmission of other TV and radio programs, other election propaganda materials. (Clause 25 as amended by Federal Law No. 64-FZ of April 26, 2007) 26. Video and audio recordings of aired TV and radio programs containing election propaganda shall be kept by the given TV and radio broadcasting organization for not less than 12 months from the day of the official publication of the general election results. Article 53. Terms and Conditions for Election Campaigning Through Print Media 1. Registered candidates, with the exception of the candidates mentioned in Clause 2.1, Article 51 of this Federal Law, shall be entitled to free space in the national state print media which are published at least once a week, on the following terms and conditions: equal amount of provided print space; the same place on the page; the same type size; and other terms and conditions. Political parties which nominated registered candidates, with the exception of the political parties mentioned in Clause 2.1 Article 51 of this Federal Law, shall be entitled to free print space in the national state print media published at least once a week, on equal terms and conditions. (Clause 1 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 2. Repealed. – Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005. 3. The total minimum weekly amount of free print space which each national state print media outlet is to provide to registered candidates, political parties which nominated registered candidates shall be not less than 5 percent of the total weekly print space of the given publication. The information about the total amount of free print space to be made available by a print media outlet for election campaigning in the aforementioned period shall be announced by the print media outlet not later than 20 days after the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 4. One half of the total amount of free print space declared by a national state print media outlet shall be distributed in accordance with the results of lot-drawing mentioned in Clause 6 of this article in equal parts between all registered candidates, with the exception of the registered candidates mentioned in Clause 2.1, Article 51 of this Federal Law. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 5. One half of the total amount of free print space declared by a national state print media outlet shall be divided on the basis of the results of lot-drawing mentioned in Clause 6 of this article in equal parts between political parties which nominated registered candidates and applied for participation in the lot-drawing, with the exception of the political parties mentioned in Clause 2.1, Article 51 of this Federal Law (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 6. Lot-drawing to determine the dates for free publication of election propaganda materials of registered candidates, political parties which nominated registered candidates shall be organized by the national state print media with the participation of interested persons after completion of the registration of candidates but not later than 30 days before voting day. The lot-drawing procedure may be witnessed by members of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation and the persons mentioned in Clause 1, Article 23 of this Federal Law. The results of lot-drawing shall be recorded in a protocol. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 7. National and regional state print media which are published at least once a week shall reserve space for publication of election propaganda materials of registered candidates on a paid basis in the period established, respectively, by Clauses 2 and 5, Article 50 of this Federal Law. The rates and the terms of payment shall be the same for all registered candidates. The total amount of paid space to be reserved by each national print media outlet shall not be less than the total amount of free space to be made available in accordance with Clause 3 of this article but shall not exceed this amount by more than two times. The total minimum weekly space to be reserved by each regional state print media outlet shall be not less than 5 percent of the total weekly space of the given print media outlet in the period established, respectively, by Clauses 2 and 5, Article 50 of this Federal Law. 8. Each registered candidate shall be entitled, for a charge, to use the reserved print space within its share determined by dividing the total amount of reserved print space by the total number of registered candidates. 9. The dates when election propaganda materials are to be published shall be determined by means of lot-drawing organized by the print media outlet with the participation of interested persons on the basis of written applications for participation in the lot-drawing from registered candidates. Lot-drawing shall be conducted within the period established by Clause 6 of this article. The lot-drawing procedure may be witnessed by members of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, members of the election commission of a subject of the Russian Federation and the persons mentioned in Clause 1, Article 23 of this Federal Law. The results of lot-drawing shall be recorded in a protocol. 10. Municipal print media as well as state print media published less frequently than once a week, which complied with the provisions of Clause 9, Article 51 of this Federal Law, shall provide print space to registered candidates for a charge. The rates and the terms of payment shall be the same for all registered candidates. The total amount of print space to be provided to registered candidates in the said print media shall be determined by these print media at their own discretion. The date of publication of election propaganda materials of each registered candidate shall be determined by means of lot-drawing to be organized by the said print media with the participation of interested persons on the basis of written applications for participation in the lot-drawing from registered candidates. Lot-drawing shall be conducted within the period established by Clause 6 of this article. 11. If a registered candidate, a political party which nominated a registered candidate refuses to use print space after the lot-drawing, they shall inform the given print media outlet to this effect not later than five days before the date when the election propaganda material is to be published, and the print media outlet may use the released print space at its discretion. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 12. Non-state print media, which complied with the provisions of Clause 9, Article 51 of this Federal Law, shall provide print space to registered candidates on equal terms and conditions. The non-state print media which failed to comply with the provisions of Clause 9, Article 51 of this Federal Law shall not be allowed to provide print space to registered candidates for election campaigning purposes. Non-state print media may refuse to provide print space for election campaigning purposes. 13. Not later than two days before the day on which the election propaganda material is to be published or, in the event of a repeat vote, not later than one day before the day of publication a registered candidate shall present a payment order to a branch of the Savings Bank of the Russian Federation instructing the bank to remit the full amount of the payment for the print space. A copy of the payment order endorsed by the branch of the Savings Bank of the Russian Federation shall be presented by the registered candidate to the print media outlet before provision of print space. If this requirement is not met, provision of print space shall not be allowed. 14. A branch of the Savings Bank of the Russian Federation shall remit the money not later than the next banking day after receipt of the payment order. The time for processing non-cash remittances shall not exceed two banking days within any subject of the Russian Federation or five banking days within the Russian Federation. 15. Election propaganda materials published in accordance with this article shall not be accompanied by any editorial comments, by headlines and illustrations which have not been agreed with the relevant registered candidates, relevant political parties which nominated registered candidates. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 16. All propaganda materials published by the print media shall indicate the registered candidate from whose electoral fund the given publication has been paid for. If propaganda materials have been published free of charge in accordance with Clause 1 of this article, the publication shall indicate this fact and shall name the registered candidate, the political party which nominated a registered candidate who/which have been given the possibility to publish these materials. The responsibility for compliance with this requirement shall be borne by the print media outlet. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 17. The print media which publish propaganda materials shall not give preference to any registered candidate, any political party which nominated a registered candidate by changing their circulation and frequency of publication. This requirement shall not apply to the print media founded by registered candidates, political parties which nominated registered candidates. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) Article 54. Terms and Conditions for Election Campaigning in the Form of Public Campaigning Events (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 1. State bodies and bodies of local self-government shall render assistance to registered candidates and their agents, political parties which nominated registered candidates in the organization and holding of public campaigning events. 2. Notifications of the organizers of rallies, demonstrations, marches and picketing shall be filed and considered in accordance with the procedure established by the Russian Federation laws. 3. On the basis of an application from registered candidates, political parties which nominated registered candidates, premises, which are suitable for public campaigning events in the form of meetings and are owned by the state or a municipality, shall be made available, free of charge, by their owners, possessors to a registered candidate and his agent, representatives of a political party, for the time to be established by the election commission of a subject of the Russian Federation or, on its instructions, by a territorial election commission, to hold meetings with voters. Election commissions shall ensure equal terms and conditions for registered candidates, political parties which nominated registered candidates to hold such events. 4. If the premises mentioned in Clause 3 of this article or premises owned by an organization with a charter (pool) capital, in which the state, a subject of the Russian Federation and/or a municipality have a stake (contribution) exceeding 30 percent thereof as of the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation, were made available for holding a public campaigning event to one of registered candidates, one of political parties which nominated registered candidates, the owner, possessor of the premises shall not refuse to provide the premises to other registered candidates, other political parties which nominated registered candidates, on the same terms and conditions. 5. Applications for provision of the premises mentioned in Clauses 3 and 4 of this article for meetings with voters, organized by registered candidates and their agents, representatives of political parties which nominated registered candidate, shall be considered by the owners of these premises within three days of receipt of these applications. 6. Candidates may, on a contractual basis, rent buildings and premises belonging to citizens and organizations of all forms of ownership to hold public campaigning events. 7. No election campaigning shall be allowed on the territory of military units, in military organizations and institutions, save the case where the only building (premises) suitable for organizing public campaigning events in the form of meetings is located within the territory of a military unit or in a military organization or institution. Upon the request of the relevant election commission the commander of the military unit shall make available such building (premises) to registered candidates, their agents, representatives of political parties which nominated registered candidates for meeting with voters – servicemen. Such meetings shall be organized by the commander of the military unit together with the election commission of a subject of the Russian Federation. Other registered candidates or their agents, representatives of other political parties which nominated registered candidates shall be notified about the place and time of the meeting not later than three days before the meeting. 8. Security at public campaigning events shall be ensured by the state bodies in accordance with the Russian Federation laws. Article 55. Terms and Conditions for Production and Distribution of Printed, Audio-Visual and Other Election Propaganda Materials 1. Candidates shall be free to issue and distribute printed, audio-visual and other election propaganda materials in accordance with the procedure established by the Russian Federation laws. All election propaganda materials must be produced on the territory of the Russian Federation. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 2. All printed and audio-visual election propaganda materials shall indicate the name, legal address and taxpayer identification number of the organization (the surname, first name and patronymic of a natural person and the name of the subject of the Russian Federation, raion, city, other population center where the natural person resides) which (who) produced these materials, the name of the organization (the surname, first name and patronymic of the natural person) which (who) placed an order for the production of the given materials and information about the number of copies made, the date of issue, the payment for the production of these materials from the relevant electoral fund. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 3. Prior to their distribution printed propaganda materials or their copies and copies of audio-visual propaganda materials, photographs shall be submitted by a candidate to the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation or to the election commission of a subject of the Russian Federation on the territory of which these materials are to be distributed. Along with the said materials it shall be necessary to present information concerning the location (residence address) of the organization (natural person) which (who) has produced and ordered these materials. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 4. Repealed. – Federal Law No. 64–FZ of April 26, 2007. 5. Election propaganda materials shall not be produced without prepayment from a relevant electoral fund or in violation of the requirements of Clauses 2 and 4 of this article. 6. Distribution of election propaganda materials in violation of the requirements set forth in Clause 3 of this article and Clause 7, Article 49 of this Federal Law shall not be allowed. 7. Not later than 30 days before voting day, on the recommendation of the election commission of a subject of the Russian Federation or a territorial election commission, the bodies of local self-government shall designate and fit out special places for displaying printed election propaganda materials on the territory of each electoral precinct. Such places shall be located where they can be conveniently visited by voters and shall be arranged so that voters could read the displayed information. Registered candidates shall be allocated equal areas for displaying their printed election propaganda materials. The area of such places must be sufficient to display information materials of election commissions and printed election propaganda materials of candidates. Candidates may receive a list of places designated for the display of printed election propaganda materials from the appropriate territorial election commissions. 8. In cases which are not provided by Clause 7 of this article election propaganda materials may be displayed (posted, placed) inside premises, on buildings, structures or at other sites only with the written consent of their owners, possessors and on the terms and conditions set by them. At the sites owned by the state or a municipality or an organization with a charter (pool) capital in which the stake (contribution) of the Russian Federation, a subject of the Russian Federation or a municipality exceeds 30 percent thereof as of the day of the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation placement of election propaganda materials shall be carried out on equal terms and conditions for all registered candidates. No charge shall be paid for the placement of election propaganda materials at a site owned by the state or a municipality. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 9. Printed election propaganda materials shall not be put up (posted, displayed) on monuments, obelisks, buildings, structures and premises of historic, cultural or architectural value, inside the premises of election commissions and polling stations or at a distance of less than 50 meters from the entrance thereto. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 10. Organizations, individual entrepreneurs which/who provide advertising services shall ensure equal terms and conditions for registered candidates to display their election propaganda materials. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 11. Organizations, individual entrepreneurs which/who accept orders for (provide services in) production of printed election propaganda materials shall ensure equal terms of payment for the production of these materials for registered candidates. The information about the rates charged (in the Russian Federation currency) and other terms of payment for the work done (services provided) by these organizations and individual entrepreneurs for the production of printed election propaganda materials shall be published by the relevant organization, relevant individual entrepreneurs not later than 30 days after the official publication of the decision to call the election of the President of the Russian Federation and shall be presented within the same period to the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation or the election commission of the subject of the Russian Federation on the territory of which this organization, this individual entrepreneur is registered. Organizations, individual entrepreneurs which/who do not meet these requirements shall not be allowed to perform work (provide services) connected with the production of such materials. (Clause 11 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005). 12. The election commission which was informed about production or distribution of false printed, audio-visual and other election propaganda materials or about distribution of election propaganda materials in violation of the provisions of Clauses 2 – 4, 8 9 and 11 of this Article, shall take appropriate measures and may request the law enforcement and other authorities to put an end to unlawful election campaigning activities and seize unlawful election propaganda materials. 13. The provisions of this article shall not apply to election propaganda materials distributed in accordance with Articles 52 and 53 of this Federal Law. (Clause 13 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) Article 56. Restrictions on the Conduct of Election Campaigning (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 1. During election campaigning it shall not be allowed to violate any restrictions imposed by Clauses 1 and 1.1, Article 56 of the Federal Law “On Basic Guarantees of the Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum.” (Clause 1 as amended by Federal Law No. 64-FZ of April 26, 2007) 2. While conducting election campaigning, candidates, their agents and authorized representatives for financial matters, political parties, their agents and authorized representatives as well as other persons and organizations shall not bribe voters: give voters money, gifts and other things if they are not intended as remuneration for the performance of organizational work (collection of voter signatures, participation in election campaigning); remunerate or promise to remunerate voters, who performed the said organizational work, depending on the voting results; sell goods at reduced prices; distribute free or charge any goods other than printed materials (including illustrated materials) and badges specially produced for the election campaign; render services free of charge or at reduced rates. While conducting election campaigning, candidates, their agents and authorized representatives for financial matters, political parties, their agents and authorized representatives as well as other persons and organizations shall not influence voters by promising them money, securities, other material benefits (in particular depending on the voting results) and shall not render any services to voters otherwise than on the basis of the decisions of bodies of state power and bodies of local self-government taken in accordance with the Russian Federation laws. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 3. During the period of the election campaign, it shall not be allowed to organize lotteries or other risk-based games in which prizes or participation in winning prizes depends on voting results, election results or which are otherwise connected with the election of the President of the Russian Federation. (Clause 3 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 4. During the period of the election campaign, the materials, which advertise the commercial activity or any other activity unrelated to the election of the President of the Russian Federation and contain names or pictures of candidates and advertisements containing the name, emblem or other symbols of political parties which nominated candidates shall be paid for only from the relevant electoral fund. No such advertising, even if paid for from an electoral fund, shall be allowed on voting day and on the day preceding voting day. (as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 5. Candidates, their agents and authorized representatives for financial matters, political parties which nominated candidates, their agents and authorized representatives as well as the organizations registered after the commencement of the election campaign, which are founded, owned, possessed by these persons and/or political parties or have them as members of their governing bodies (in organizations where the highest governing body is the general meeting – as members of the bodies which manage the activity of these organizations) shall not carry out any charitable activities during the period of the election campaign. In the course of the election campaign other individuals and legal entities shall not carry out any charitable activities upon the request, on the instructions or on behalf of the said candidates, political parties, agents and authorized representatives and shall not conduct any election campaigning simultaneously with charitable activities. The said candidates, political parties, agents and authorized representatives shall be prohibited from asking other natural persons and legal entities to render material or financial assistance or services to voters. (Clause 5 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 5.1. Propaganda materials shall not contain commercial advertising. (Clause 5.1 was added by Federal Law No. 64-FZ of April 26, 2007) 5.2. The air time, provided to registered candidates, political parties which nominated registered candidates on the channels of the TV and radio broadcasting organizations for presenting their propaganda materials, shall not be used by them for the following purposes: 1) to call for voting against any candidate (candidates); 2) to describe possible negative consequences if any candidate is elected; 3) to disseminate information with a clear emphasis on some candidate (candidates), some political party which nominated a registered candidate, accompanied by negative comments; 4) to disseminate information conducive to the formation of a negative attitude of voters towards any candidate, any political party which nominated a registered candidate. (Clause 5.2 was added by Federal Law No. 64-FZ of April 26, 2007) 6. If mass media organizations publish (make public) propaganda or informational materials (including such materials containing true information) which may damage the honor, dignity or business reputation of any candidate, the business reputation of any political party which nominated a candidate, these media organizations shall provide such candidate, such political party with a possibility to publish (make public), free of charge, a denial or some other explanation in defense of their honor, dignity or business reputation before the end of the campaigning period. In order to make public the said denial or some other explanation the candidate, the political party shall be provided with air time at the same time of the day at which the initial information was aired; the amount of such air time shall not be less than the amount of the air time allocated for airing the initial information, and, in any case, it shall not be less than two minutes. When a denial or some other explanation is to be published, its text shall be printed in the same font, placed in the same part of the page and the amount of print space allocated to it shall not be less than the amount of print space allocated to the text refuted by the denial. The failure to provide such candidate, such political party with a possibility to publish (make public) a denial or some other explanation before the end of the campaigning period may serve as a ground for bringing the mass media organization, its officials to responsibility under the Russian Federation laws. The requirements set forth in this clause shall not apply to the presentation of propaganda materials by registered candidates, political parties when they use free and paid air time, free and paid print space in accordance with this Federal Law. (Clause 6 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) 7. The law enforcement and other bodies shall be obliged to take measures to stop unlawful propaganda activities, prevent production of false and unlawful printed, audio–visual and other election propaganda materials and seize such materials, identify the producers of the said materials and the source from which they are paid for and promptly inform the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, the election commission of a subject of the Russian Federation about the facts established and measures taken. 8. Election commissions shall exercise control over the compliance with the procedures established for election campaigning and shall take measures to eliminate their violations. If false printed, audio-visual and other election propaganda materials are disseminated or if election propaganda materials are disseminated in violation of the requirements set forth in Article 55 of this Federal Law, if any TV and radio broadcasting organization or any print media outlet fails to comply with the election campaigning procedures established by this Federal Law, the relevant election commission shall be obliged to apply to the law enforcement authorities, a court, the federal body of executive power charged with the performance of regulatory functions in the sphere of mass communications and ask them to stop unlawful propaganda activities, seize unlawful election propaganda materials and bring to responsibility such TV and radio broadcasting organization or print media outlet, their officials and other persons under the Russian Federation laws. (Clause 8 as amended by Federal Law No. 93-FZ of July 21, 2005) |