MODELS OF TRANSITION TO THE COMPETITIVE SYSTEM OF MAYOR ELECTION: EXPERIENCE OF MUNICIPALITIES OF THE SVERDLOVSK REGION

Abstract

From the early 2015, in Russia in general and in the Sverdlovsk region in particular, there is an ongoing process of transition to the competitive system of the city heads election. The problem is that this process is different: quite peacefully in some municipalities, but scandalized in others. The aim of the research is to study the political situation in the municipalities of the Middle Urals and highlight not only the models of transition to the new election system, but also the factors justifying the particular option. The rational choice theory is the theoretical and methodological basis of the research. The comparative analysis (to identify criteria for distinguishing various transition models) and the case-study method (to consider specific situations in municipalities) were also applied. As the empirical basis, there was data from local election commissions, materials from news agencies, and analytical reports. As a result, the author came to the conclusion, that the process of transition to a competitive system of mayor election is varying. In some municipalities (Ekaterinburg, Sysert) this process goes smoothly, without political excesses, and in others (Degtyarsk, Bogdanovich) is accompanied by political conflicts. The research showed that the options (models) of the transition process and its political results depend on a combination of two factors the degree of the municipal elite unity and the level of conflict between the mayor and the regional leader.