CNN - Pivotal Elections: Russia

What's at stake in Russia's elections

Boris Yeltsin is the darling of many Western leaders, having led Russia away from Communism. Gennady Zyuganov, more of a Russian nationalist than an orthodox Marxist, is credited with bringing the Communist Party back from defeat to become the dominant force in Russia's parliament.

Where the two contenders stand on major issues:

Aggressively anti-Communist. Promises more free market reforms, greater stability and fatter paychecks.

Will seek more influence and acceptance among Western nations and a privileged status in Europe and Asia.

Committed to ratifying the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty II (START II).

Vows to fight growing crime and corruption; increase spending on education and health care.

Yeltsin signed the 1991 agreement formalizing the dissolution of the former Soviet Union. Has now come up with his own model of voluntary and varied re-integration with former Soviet Republics.

Calls for curbs on privatization, bigger subsidies to state industry and restoring the Soviet-era safety net.

Analysts say under Zyuganov anti-Western rhetoric would grow and it's likely antagonism rather than cooperation would predominate.

Is skeptical about arms control agreements and does not favor ratifying START II.

There are fears that he could impose controls on free speech, religion and freedom of movement.

Has denounced the 1991 agreement disintegrating the former Soviet Union, calling it illegal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Feedback

Send us your comments.
Selected responses are posted daily.

	Aggressively anti-Communist. Promises more free market reforms, greater stability and fatter paychecks.
	Will seek more influence and acceptance among Western nations and a privileged status in Europe and Asia.
	Committed to ratifying the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty II (START II).
	Vows to fight growing crime and corruption; increase spending on education and health care.
	Yeltsin signed the 1991 agreement formalizing the dissolution of the former Soviet Union. Has now come up with his own model of voluntary and varied re-integration with former Soviet Republics.

	Calls for curbs on privatization, bigger subsidies to state industry and restoring the Soviet-era safety net.
	Analysts say under Zyuganov anti-Western rhetoric would grow and it's likely antagonism rather than cooperation would predominate.
	Is skeptical about arms control agreements and does not favor ratifying START II.
	There are fears that he could impose controls on free speech, religion and freedom of movement.
	Has denounced the 1991 agreement disintegrating the former Soviet Union, calling it illegal.

What's at stake in Russia's elections

Feedback

| CONTENTS | SEARCH | CNN HOME PAGE | MAIN WORLD NEWS PAGE |