The Russian Communist party plans to change its charter eyeing enhanced discipline and strengthening the position of the leadership – just as it was in the Soviet Union. The KPRF published amendments to its constitution which is likely to be approved at the party’s upcoming XX convention on February 23. Suggested changes are primarily aimed at the creation of a vertical power structure in the country’s second largest party. Federal party bodies will be given more powers, while regional Communist chapters will have less control over the KPRF’s leadership. Under the amendments, the presidium of the party’s Central Committee – made up of 17 Communists – will become the main ruling body. Currently, this role belongs to the Central Committee comprised of 145 members. Besides that, the Communists decided to get rid of the principle of the regular rotation of part of the KPRF leadership. At the same time, the party wants to get tougher on members who break the rules. Communists in leading positions in the party will lose their posts if they fail to perform their duties properly. The expulsion from the party will remain the most severe punishment. However, under the new charter it will become easier to kick someone out…
The communists absolutely have to move to a disciplined clear position in front of the electorate. In their present form they looked like a party gradually waiting for extinction. They started to look like a headless chicken. Instead, if they want to take power, they need to present a positive dynamic clear vision and program, one that is set to capitalize on the more open opportunity laden political environment that has come about here. They need be themselves, a disciplined self, if they have any hope of returning to the major governing force here, and become a viable alternative for international appraisal and free adoption. Whether you agree with these ‘communists’ or not, communism has a rightful position in any political landscape. It is therefore only fair that that alternative, as all other alternatives are organized in such a way themselves (it is their job), such they are capable in terms of gaining a mandate, and are viable following such acquisition to govern. The communists need move away from other groups and be a strong differentiated party on their own, depending on no one other than themselves. This is the clarity that both they need and the electorate. It is amazing and a striking indication of failure, that the second party is not the one creating the agenda on the streets, that it is not them driving pin point peaceful constructive issue led protest to reinforce both themselves and a system that they hope to be part of in terms of leading government…
Kyle Keeton
Windows to Russia…