How important was Gobachev in transforming the political and economic atmosphere of the Soviet Union?

Answer 1

In 1989 Mikhail Gorbachev inaugurated competitive elections to the USSR's hierarchy of soviets. Under the Gorbachev reforms the process culminated in elections to a reformed Union-level parliamentary body, the Congress of People's Deputies. Although their fairness and competitiveness varied across the USSR, the elections produced a set of reform-minded deputies who formed, for the first time in Soviet history, an independent political caucus in the national legislature.

More here:
http://press.princeton.edu/chapters/DAB/sent/0691057362.html

Answer 2

Now make up your mind - which is your question?