The qualities of the deputy in the representations of potential voters

Electoral behavior during elections at different levels of power has its own specifics. This article focuses on the study of those qualities that a potential elected representative of people - a deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, and a deputy of the regional legislative bodies - must meet. The article is based on the materials of the focus group cycle (37 participants - residents of the Sverdlovsk region, 2021), which make it possible to identify key professional and personal characteristics that are particularly essential for the deputies nominated in single-mandate districts. Three groups of qualities are identified, among which the organizational and managerial qualities become key ones, including experience while solving problems, competence (rated as the primary one). The second place goes to socio-psychological qualities, including perseverance and charisma. The third place is given to moral qualities, such as honesty. The article also presents the differences between single-mandate candidates and party candidates. Expectations from single-mandate members are higher in terms of creativity, flexibility, freedom of action, whereas from party representatives - responsibility for the common cause, higher control of the party and a clear, more transparent program of action, since it is not personal, but a party one.