WesWorld

Russian Presidential Elections had their first round two days ago, and initial results have been tabulated:

Viktor Chernov, Socialist Revolutionaries - 33.2%

V.P. Ryabushinsky, Industrialist. - 12.8%

P.M. Miliukov, Member of Duma, Constitutional Democrats Party - 18.9%

J. Martov, Member of Duma, Russian Social Democratic Workers Party - 20.4%

V.I. Lenin, Member of Duma, Russian Social Democratic Workers Party - Bolshevik - 8.8%

Others - 5.9%

As provided in Founding Law of Russian Federation, since no candidate has a majority, a run-off election between the two candidates with largest number of votes will be held three weeks after first round of voting, on 30 April 1925. Candidates participating in run-off will be V. Chernov of Socialist Revolutionary Party, and J. Martov of Russian Social Democratic Workers Party.

Compared to present Duma representation, these vote totals represent a decline in popularity for Socialist Revolutionary Party, Constitutional Democrats, and Russian Social Democratic Workers Party.

They represent increase in popularity for Russian Social Democratic Workers Party - Bolshevik.

Industrialist V.P. Ryabushinsky ran without Party support, and seems to have drawn support from parties experiencing declines. Building on his suprisingly good performance, V.P. Ryabushinsky has announced efforts to create political party advocating policies to facilitate economic growth and increased trade.

The United German Workers' Free Press is delighted with Comrade Martov's strong mandate from the Russian people, and hopes that the False Revolutionaries do not manage to cheat their way to power in the run-off.

Comrade Lenin: that guest editorial position is still available if you're interested.

Yet another country falls to the left...

Statement of Enrique Monastario, El Presidente de la Filipinas:

"We note with dismay the recent election results in the Russian Federation, in which the hard-working people have been duped into believing that the Socialist way is the best way for them. We hope that in future elections the Russians will show better sense."

Editorial in Revolutionary Russia , newspaper of Socialist Revolutionary Party - 22 April 1925

We have noted reaction of some governments to Comrade Chernov's recent electoral performance, and wish to reassure them that no great departure from our President Kerensky's policies are contemplated, in the likely event of his victory in run-off election. This should come as no suprise, since as leader of Socialist Revolutionary Party in Duma, Comrade Chernov has been a vital support to President Kerensky's legislative programme, and his candidacy was undertaken with President Kerensky's enthusiastic support.

And considering that Comrade Chernov has been able to run on a platform of "Peace and Prosperty", we believe his polling numbers are actually suprisingly low

Nevertheless, we look forward confidently to Comrade Chernov's electoral victory, and to commencement of his term as President of Russian Federation.

Editorial in Iskra, newspaper of Russian Social Democratic Worker's Party - 22 April 1925

While we maintain serious differences in ideology and practice with Socialist Revolutionaries, we have always recognized them as a party of the Left in good standing, noting a number of their policies that have been enacted with our support, such as nationalization of selected industries, repudiation of a number of war debts, although we would like to have seen a repudiation of the prewar Tsarist railroad bonds as well..., and their policy to encourage increase in number and development of Russian Working Class.

Perhaps Comrade Martov's upcoming victory in run-off election will see action on those accursed railroad bonds...

Paris Herald , 23 April 1925

Yesterday on the Bourse, the prewar Russian railroad bonds were off by 2% in heavy afternoon trading. This loss was attributed to an editorial in Russian Presidential candidate Martov's Party newspaper, Iskra, which raised the possibility of repudiating them in the event of his victory in the upcoming Russian Presidential run-off elections.

Immediately after his comments became known, the bonds dropped 7%, until cooler heads judged the liklihood of his victory as trivial.

I just know the Rana had people buying the railroad bonds as they bottomed out.

Count on a Socialist Revolutionary newspaper to be the first to use a smiley in print...

Government of Russian federation have announced outcome of final round of Presidential elections, and with 96% of votes tabulated, Socialist Revolutionary Party candidate Chernov has won, having gathered 58% of votes. Russian Social Democratic Worker's Party candidate Martov, with 37% of votes, conceded Chernov's victory last night, and though several Siberian Oblasts have not yet reported on their results, generally it is agreed that remainder is insuffient to alter this result. 5% of ballots were marked "Against both" or were cast in favor of other candidates and thus invalidated.

President Kerensky commented on Chernov's triumph:

"Having worked closely with Comrade Chernov in his capacity as Legislative Leader of Socialist Revolutionary Party to pass vital laws that have fostered Russia's development and prosperity, I can state with full confidence that Russia is in good hands. And I wish to personally congratulate my good friend Comrade Martov on a vigorous, principled campaign. May we now join together, all of us, to contribute our strength and our ideas fo the betterment of great Motherland we all love, and great multi-national peoples who make Russia what she is."

Incoming President Chernov:

"I thank President Kerensky for his expression of confidence, and will endeavor to my utmost to show it warranted. And I wish to thank all candidates who ran as well. Your vigorous ideas, your organizing ability, and your determination to do your best for Russia, is further confirmation of her vitality and strength.

To my friend Ryabushinsky, I confess admiration of your ability to garner significant number of votes in absence of any Party organization whatsoever. Clearly, peoples of Russian Federation understand how they have benefited from your economic plans, combining as they do State-owned enterprises for banking, raw material production and heavy industry; with light industries and agriculture left to private initiative. Each of these policies have been appropriate in their sphere, and both sectors have experienced rapid growth, and both have enriched and strengthened Russia.

To my friend Comrade Lenin, you have doubled your share of votes! This indicates that Russian peoples repose increasing confidence in you, and I look forward to spirited debate as we both strive for their benefit.

To my friend and colleague P.M. Miliukov, I express my admiration of your principled conduct of a vigorous campaign, and will certainly not hesitate to call upon your wisdom and seasoned judgement.

And at last, to my friend Comrade Martov, I'm afraid I must again disappoint you concerning the Tsarist railroad bonds, but I note your strong following, and intend to seek support from you and and your fine Party."

The Government of Atlantis would like to be the first to congratulate the new Russian president, Viktor Chernov on his victory. We are looking forward to our next face to face meeting to congratulate him in person.

Signed:

Crassius Dominia, Atlantian Prime Minister

The Manila Times
8 May 1925

Spokesmen for El Presidente refused to comment on the results of the recent Russian election.

4 May

In Berlin, newly elected President Otto Braun commented on the results of the Russian presidential election:

"I offer my congratulations to President Chernov on his strong mandate from the Russian people.

"I can see some parallels between my own situation and that of President Chernov; our predecessors did much to establish democracy in our nations and steer us away from the destructive policies that cost us so much in the last decade. Our citizens have spoken at the ballot box, and they have asked us to continue the good work of Presidents Ebert and Kerensky.

"I would be pleased to invite President Chernov to visit Berlin at his convenience, so that he and I may discuss matters of state such as trade and security."

Statement of President Herriot, 4 May 1925

"May I offer my heartiest congratulations to President-Elect Chernov for his clear victory in the Russian Presidential Elections, and extend to him an invitation to visit France at his earliest convenience."

President-Elect Chernov replies, 5 May 1925:

"I have been deeply touched by many warm messages of congratulations and support I have recieved from governments of many foreign countries, and am be pleased to accept invitations to visit. Once I have put my Cabinet together, I shall be happy to schedule visits to discuss developing present good political and econmic relations so that they flourish even more."