(16 Dec 1999) Russian/Nat
With elections for Russia's lower house of parliament, the Duma, taking place on Sunday a fringe group of radical communists is counting on the legacy of Joseph Stalin to catapult them to power.
The Stalinist Bloc for the U-S-S-R hopes it will win enough seats in the Duma to allow it to achieve its goals of resurrecting the Soviet Union, and clearing Stalin's name.
Most Russians would prefer to leave the era of Joseph Stalin buried in the past.
But these people are trying to resurrect the feared leader's memory and his leadership style.
The Stalinist Bloc for the U-S-S-R holds no illusions about its chances in Sunday's parliamentary elections.
But it is hoping to pass the five percent barrier, insuring them of representation in the State Duma.
The bloc supports resurrecting the Soviet Union, reversing privatisation and punishing those who brought it about.
It would also do away with the presidency and other executive offices.
Party leader Viktor Anpilov says Stalin's rule was a golden period for Russia.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Take this name because this name means progress. This name means the victory of the working people over the capitalism throughout the world."
SUPER CAPTION: Viktor Anpilov, head of Stalinist Bloc for the USSR
In the Duma elections of 1995, Anpilov's party came within an inch of securing seats when it received just over four and a half per cent of the vote.
While Anpilov was open about his fondness for Stalin then, he had not included the name "Stalinist" in the bloc's title.
For this election, he has teamed up with Stalin's grandson.
Yevgeny Dzhugashvili does not just bear a striking resemblance to the Russian dictator, he also shares his hard-line politics.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"The Russian people is a completely destitute one. Freedom only exists for millionaires, thieves. We called them swindlers. And thieves and swindlers should go to prison. I think that is appropriate."
SUPER CAPTION: Yevgeny Dzhugashvili, Stalin's grandson
The party is not only out to reorganise society with an iron hand.
It is intent on punishing those it perceives as being responsible for the Russia's present day ills.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"We are not going to twist their arms, we are going to bring them to trial before everyone, before representatives of the press, radio and television. Just like it was in 1937, when they tried the Trotskyists. The press was present there too. No rules were broken."
SUPER CAPTION: Yevgeny Dzhugashvili, Stalin's grandson
The party may have more sympathisers than might be expected.
In a September poll which featured historical political figures along with contemporary ones, seven percent of Russians said they would chose Stalin as president.
The once-revered leader may be gone, but if the Stalinist Bloc for the U-S-S-R has its way he will not be forgotten.
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