RUSSIA: Unanimous

"Comrades," said Comrade Stalin, "this is not merely an election, it is also a holiday."

Last week five Soviet republics had a Soviet-style election and a holiday. The offices involved were seats in the local Soviets (village, town and city councils). In holiday spirit, Moscow donned its usual gala garb of red bunting, strings of lights, posters and portraits of the leaders. In keeping with the election-holiday spirit the official Soviet photographic agency distributed photos of a painting of Stalin and Molotov "amidst children" reminiscent of U.S. baby-kissing campaign pictures.

Soviet voters have no choice of candidates. In Stalin's Moscow...

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