In the lead up to the preceding 1999 Russian legislative election Zhirinovsky's Liberal Democratic party encountered issues regarding its registration.
[1][2] This demonstrated the party's ability to retain strong loyalty amongst its base of fervent supporters.
[3][5] Zhirinovsky nevertheless retained the support of dedicated followers, who were estimated to comprise between one and three percent of the Russian electorate.
[3] As a candidate Zhirinovsky stirred up support through wild antics as well as by appealing to commoners, and by using nationalistic rhetoric.
[4] Zhirinovsky instead focused attacks on others, such as Grigory Yavlinsky, who he accused of having been "bought" by wealthy supporters.