"The general phenomenon is one where primary voters are wanting to make decisions among the candidates that are the viable ones. They want to be choosing among those who have a chance," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.

Brian Taylor, professor of political science, claims Russians live in a sort of "electoral authoritarianism," where the election looks democratic on the surface with multiple parties, but "enough is done through the manipulation of the rules and control of the media to make sure the favorite candidate always wins."