Putin’s party headed for a record victory in Russian Duma elections

Preliminary vote counting puts United Russia, the party led by President Vladimir Putin, at the top of Russia’s parliamentary elections, according to data reported by state media.

The ruling party has secured 57.83% of the vote. It is followed by the Communist Party with 13.81%, the Liberal Democratic Party with 8.98%, and the New People’s Party with 7.96%.

Preliminary projections give United Russia 355 of the 450 seats in the State Duma, allowing it to retain its constitutional majority. In the previous elections, the party held 310 seats.

According to the Central Election Commission, 59.32% of voters took part in the election. The final result is expected to be announced on September 25.

The elections were also held in some parts of Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia. Ukraine has declared the process illegal, while the European Union has described voting in these areas as a violation of international law.

The process was also accompanied by allegations of irregularities and vote manipulation, accusations that the Russian authorities have denied.

With this result, United Russia is expected to continue controlling the Duma and have the numbers needed to approve constitutional amendments without the support of other parties.