Protestors in Russia push against election fraud

(Photo by Yuriy Akopov)

Russia (MNN) ― Most of the votes have been counted in Russia's Parliamentary elections

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Upsets came from all corners. The communists gained ground in the votes, while Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's party lost ground. In fact, United Russia was expected to have enough seats to form a slim parliamentary majority.

However, Joel Griffith withSlavic Gospel Associationsays news reports are shaping another picture. "They're claiming that might even be an inflated figure because of vote fraud."

Amidst allegations of fraud--common to the electoral process, the complaints are sticking. "Those claims were backed by some international observers, pointing to some procedural violations and alleged ballot stuffing and other things."

Several thousand people protested Monday night against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and his party. Griffith says the whole scenario tells a story. "What it tells you is maybe the Russian people aren't quite as satisfied as maybe some of the pundits would have you believe."

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also expressed concern over the accusations surrounding Russia's parliamentary elections. Reports from the Associated Press cast into doubt the validity or strength of United Russia's mandate. 

As of late Monday afternoon, the Central Election Commission reported that United Russia led with just under 50%, trailed by the Communists with 19%, Just Russia with 13%, and the Liberal Democrats with nearly 12%. Gains made by the Communist Party raised questions of policy reversal to come. Griffith doesn't think so. "I think it's a little bit early to read too much into the Communist numbers coming in. I don't think that necessarily means Communism is resurgent, as a philosophy; I think it may be a way to send a message."

Griffith goes on to say that changes noted in and around the Commonwealth of Independent States could have some sympathetic ears in the Duma. "As we've seen some of the countries around Russia--such as Kazakhstan--implement these draconian religion laws, you sort of wonder if we aren't going to see this being pushed in Russia eventually. It's our hope and prayer that that doesn't happen."

Such laws are likely to prove problematic to Christmas outreach for SGA. Changes in the political climate of the CIS could also have a lot of influence in Russia. "We really need to pray that whatever happens, this will not negatively impact the evangelical Church and our ability to worship and  proclaim the Gospel."

Griffith urges prayer. There is a growing sense of urgency due to the ideology they're seeing gain in popularity throughout Europe. He says, "Resources are needed: Russian Bibles, Russian Christian literature, also a need for pastoral training and orphan ministry. There are more than 700,000 orphans across Russia that need to hear the Gospel."

Regardless of the outcome of the elections, Griffith asks for prayer "that the door would remain open for us to help evangelical churches there seize those opportunities."