Campaign guidelines urge Russia’s ruling political party to hide its own branding at mass events to avoid voter backlash ahead of September elections United Russia and the Presidential Administration are concerned about unpredictability impacting their campaign for the September State Duma elections. New campaign guidelines suggest three thematic lines: ‘protection and care,’ ‘pride and victory,’ and ‘leadership and development,’ with a potential emphasis on branding the party as ‘Putin’s party’ if necessary. The guidelines also propose inviting citizens to help draft the platform and focus on local events like city days and festivals, advising subtle party branding to avoid negative reactions.

• United Russia and the Presidential Administration are worried about unpredictability affecting their campaign for the September State Duma elections.
• Campaign guidelines suggest three thematic lines: ‘protection and care,’ ‘pride and victory,’ and ‘leadership and development.’
• There’s a consideration to position United Russia as ‘Putin’s party,’ especially if ratings decline.
• Regional branches are advised to invite citizens and organizations to help draft the party’s platform under the initiative ‘Creating the Future Together.’
• Campaign events will focus on local celebrations like city days and harvest festivals.
• Party branding at these local events should be subtle to avoid generating a negative reaction from voters.