Russia’s parliamentary election process has concluded, with the result expected to reaffirm the dominance of President Vladimir Putin and the party that supports him, United Russia.
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Voting took place over three days across all 11 of the country’s time zones, as well as at Russian embassies and consulates in other countries.
In the previous parliamentary elections, held in 2021, United Russia secured 324 of the 450 seats in the State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament.
Although his name does not appear on the ballot and he is not a member of the party, Putin has a direct political connection to it, having led it from 2008 to 2012. The next presidential election is scheduled for 2030, while in 2024 Putin won with around 88.5% of the vote.
The race took place in an environment where credible opposition, according to independent sources cited by CNN, has almost entirely disappeared. Kremlin opponents have been excluded from the process, imprisoned or have sought refuge outside Russia.
The independent Russian human rights organization OVD-Info estimates that more than 2,000 people are currently behind bars for political reasons.
Yabloko, the only registered party that opposes the war in Ukraine, was barred by Russia’s Supreme Court from fielding a nationwide list. Some of its candidates were allowed to run in certain single-member constituencies, but the party said its representatives faced restrictions and pressure.
According to Yabloko, one of its observers lost consciousness after being detained at a polling station in St. Petersburg. The party also reported that other observers were denied access to polling stations.
The Kremlin is expected to present the result as an indication of popular support for President Putin and the war in Ukraine, which Russian authorities continue to describe as a “special military operation.”
Before the polls opened, Putin called on citizens to demonstrate unity by taking part in the election.
Alongside the parties’ results, turnout is seen by observers as one of the most important indicators for measuring public support for the country’s political course and the war in Ukraine.
The expansion of electronic voting, which was accompanied by incentives aimed at voters, also received particular attention during these elections.
While critics have long raised doubts about the transparency of online voting, Russian authorities have denied the allegations and say that everything is being conducted in accordance with the law.
Vladimir Putin himself voted online, while the Kremlin released footage showing him using the electronic platform.
The Central Election Commission reported technical difficulties and disruptions to the electronic system in Moscow. Chairwoman Ella Pamfilova said the problems were caused by a large-scale cyberattack.
The vote was held as fighting in Ukraine continued. Ukrainian authorities deemed the elections organized by Russia in occupied Ukrainian territories illegal, while both sides continued drone and missile attacks during the days of voting.
