Most probably if the elections of 2008 would be party-centered Russian translationthey would have totally different candidates trying to get office, campaign would look different and and issues inside a bit as well. What would not change is it for sure discussion about country economy, which will be present everywhere and always. Those both campaigns are impossible to compare but we can try to ask, which one would create healthier democracy. Healthy democracy can be define by the level of political and civic participation, for example in voters turnout. When people don't vote the legitimization of power is weaker and therefore chosen candidate is not fully representing the whole society. Voters turnout depends on society education about politics, so they awareness and knowledge how political institutions works. I would define healthy democracy as a democracy with the high level of political participation, well developed civic society and bigger interests in politics which legitimize political power, where party play the role of mediator between government and society allowing bigger participation and we can observe a big level of transparency. So to answer the question which system party-centered or candidate-centered creates healthier democracy we should concentrate on question in which system citizens participation and awareness is higher. From one hand site we have party-centered elections where campaign is focused more on issues and it required higher political knowledge to follow politics and make a good choice. But from the other hand in candidate-centered system we have “easier” access to offices and to become candidate. It is persons decision, which depends mostly on money and not on party leaders decisions. Then we have bigger transparency of candidate selecting process through primaries and finally in my opinion society interests is higher. Maybe people are not that much interested in politics, rather in candidate's personal life, but through getting interested in candidates they are getting involved in politics as well. Moreover in candidate-centered system very important role play grassroots work. Candidates have to mobilize a lot of activists in order to make a campaign, they are traveling much more and talking to people, the direct campaign is really the reason why I do think that candidate-centered elections create healthier democracy. "I did not receive inappropriate assistance on this assignment"