The election campaign in Kabardino-Balkaria was marked by the absence of a real alternative.

Voters from Kabardino-Balkaria pointed to weak pre-election activity, a lack of information about candidates, and disappointment in the ability to influence the voting results. Some residents stated that they intend to support certain parties and their representatives, while others noted the absence of candidates for whom they are willing to cast their vote.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", from September 18 to 20, elections for deputies of the State Duma of the IX convocation and 122 local-level election campaigns will take place in Kabardino-Balkaria.

The current election campaign has become the weakest in terms of information in the entire history of modern Russian elections, believes journalist Madina Shavlokhova. According to her, there is virtually no visible campaigning, portraits of candidates, or public debates in Kabardino-Balkaria, and the candidates themselves do not hold significant meetings with voters.

"If earlier during the election campaign across the country portraits of candidates were hung everywhere and everyone knew who was running and for whom they were to cast their vote, now there is absolute silence – no portraits, no debates. None of the parties during this election campaign are talking about their election programs," she told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

Shavlokhova intends to support the federal list of the "New People" party. In her opinion, the party has a good chance in the elections.

The head of the regional branch of the "Yabloko" party Hakim Kuchmezov stated that he intends to vote for party member Aminat Tappashanova, registered as a candidate in Kabardino-Balkaria's single-member electoral district No. 17. The federal list of "Yabloko" was withdrawn from the elections, however, the party's candidates in single-member districts continue to participate in the campaign.

Kuchmezov called the decision to withdraw the federal list of "Yabloko" a use of a formal pretext. According to him, the party faced complaints related to the use by Grigory Yavlinsky of the phrases "As long as there is no war" and "Let there always be sunshine" without the consent of the rights holders. The Supreme Court of Russia canceled the registration of the federal list of "Yabloko" on August 10, and on August 17, the appellate panel upheld this decision.

Kuchmezov assessed that the withdrawal of the federal list led to an influx of youth into the party. He claims that about 70 people under 21 years old have applied to the regional branch, and more than 10,000 people across the country.

"This indicates that a politically active generation is growing that will not tolerate lies," Kuchmezov told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

There is practically no pre-election activity, Kuchmezov pointed out. He called the existing system of political power outdated, and the "New People" party a "Kremlin setup". According to him, internal measurements of the regional branch of "Yabloko" showed the Communist Party in the lead, with "Yabloko" in second place and extremely low support for "United Russia".

The authorities are striving to maintain the existing political configuration, Kuchmezov believes. In his opinion, the situation with fuel may influence voter sentiments. He linked problems in the fuel market to the concentration of petroleum product production among a few large companies and the lack of medium and small businesses.

Legislation being adopted, including decisions affecting utility tariffs, significantly impacts citizens' expenses, Kuchmezov believes. At the same time, he noted the positive development of road, educational, and medical infrastructure in the republic.

Activist from Prokhladny Anastasia Emelyanova stated that she intends to appeal to the election commission with a demand to remove "United Russia" from the elections. She explained her position by stating that the party has been in power for a long time and, in her opinion, is responsible for the adoption of a number of laws that she considers harmful.

Emelyanova referred to legislation on rallies, media, and foreign agents, as well as constitutional changes related to the formation of the judiciary. In her opinion, these changes have increased the dependence of the courts on the executive power.

Emelyanova also does not intend to support any of the parties participating in the elections. She did not see any demands for an immediate cessation of the military operation in Ukraine in the parties' programs.

"I reviewed the programs of all parties and did not see any point regarding the immediate end of the special military operation. Therefore, there is no one to vote for. That is why I will vote against all," she told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

A resident of Nalchik Ruslan Karamurza stated that he does not intend to participate in the voting at all. He previously went to the elections and was an observer, but now he does not believe that voting can influence the final result.

"There is no one to vote for. I do not hope for anyone. I used to go, I was even an observer and know firsthand how our elections are held. They will issue the numbers that are sent down from above," Karamurza told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that residents and activists of Kabardino-Balkaria have previously questioned political competition and the ability to influence election results. Thus, on June 28, 2024, Hakim Kuchmezov and Anastasia Emelyanova called the elections to the republic's parliament uncompetitive and stated that the composition of the legislative body is essentially predetermined in advance. On September 8, 2019, surveyed residents talked about various motives for participating in voting: some called the elections meaningless and said they do not believe in pre-election promises, while others explained participation as a civic responsibility.