Digitalization as a factor in legitimizing the process of forming legislative authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation

Abstract

This article examines the impact of digital technologies on the legitimacy of the electoral process in the Russian Federation. By showcasing the evolution of the technical equipment within the Russian electoral system, the author highlights its adaptability and ability to quickly embrace technical innovations. Through the analysis of experiences accumulated over past electoral cycles, the author demonstrates the positive effects of digital technologies on legitimizing the electoral process and outlines the main examples of such influence. In particular, the role of technological innovations in minimizing the impact of the “human factor” on the electoral process is shown. Additionally, the paper illustrates the significant contribution of remote electronic voting to improving the accessibility of elections for all groups of the population, which in turn leads to an increase in the representativeness of their results. Thus, the author reaches a reasoned conclusion about the necessity of continuing the integration of advanced digital technologies into election procedures at all levels to increase the legitimacy of the election procedure itself and the authority bodies formed as a result, including the regional legislatures of the Russian Federation.