Astrologers Join Yeltsin's Campaign in Russia ✨

(14 Jun 1996) Russian/Nat

Who to vote for? That's the question many Russians will face in Sunday's presidential elections.

There's a wide range of candidates - 10 politicians will be on the ballot paper, ranging from far left to far right.

Luckily, help is on hand from Russia's superstition industry - astrologers and sun worshippers are all drumming up support for their candidates and advising voters.

Boris Yeltsin is trying to hold on to the Kremlin using all the powers he has.

But little does the Russian leader know what strange allies he has.

A group of astrologers and new-age scientists gathered recently on Red Square to call forth the powers of the sun in aid of their president.

UPSOUND: (Russian)
And so that Yeltsin will be victorious, I will make the sun shine!
SUPER CAPTION: Ivan Kulebyakin, New Age Scientist

On what was a typical gloomy Moscow day, they actually had some success.

But what if you can't make up your mind who to vote for?

Well, some Russians are seeking counsel in crystal balls, crystals, tarot cards and even the stains left in their morning cup of coffee.

And if your livelihood depends on the outcome of the elections, what should you do?

It's all in the runes and this Liza Minelli look-alike can help you decipher them.

This woman's husband is a successful businessman and desperately afraid a Communist victory will ruin their family's bank account.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"And now in this country we have such a bad political situation before the elections. We don't know who will come to power. If the Communists come to power than maybe it's not even worth our trouble. We'd just be beating our heads against the wall. If the situation doesn't change than maybe things will be alright."
SUPER CAPTION: Tara Zaitseva

The Celtic runes, just like the pollsters, say Yeltsin's star will be shining on June the 16th.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"I think that Yeltsin will win, because we know him. It is not so frightening with him. And God forbid Zyuganov comes to power, or Zhirinovsky."
SUPER CAPTION: Nina Tarashenko, Astrologer

In Moscow, a group of astrologers met recently to announce their predictions for the upcoming elections.

And Yeltsin, an Aquarius, has not only the state-run TV on his side, but Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus as well.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"And at the time of the elections the support of the planets is more with Yeltsin. And I dare to say that Yeltsin will go down in history as not only our first president, but our second one as well.
SUPER CAPTION: Alexei Penzensky, Russian Astrological Society

His key rival, Communist leader Gennady Zyuganov is too troubled by an unhappy childhood to find success in politics.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"He is a very complexed person. With many big problems dating from the childhood and adolescence. Probably in childhood he was accused of being good imitator, but not a very talented boy in and of himself.
SUPER CAPTION: Alexei Penzensky, Russian Astrological Society

And Zhirinovsky, well, his stars just keep bad company.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"All of his dictatorial ambitions are more than just a game. He is a Taurus, just like Hitler, Khomeini and (Saddam) Hussein."
SUPER CAPTION: Alexei Penzensky, Russian Astrological Society

Although they may not know what direction their country is heading, some Russians know the answer is out there - somewhere.

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