Russians have begun three days of voting in a parliamentary election that is widely expected to preserve the Kremlin’s dominance of the country’s political system.
Polling opened on Friday, September 18, and will continue through Sunday, September 20, with about 111 million eligible voters able to cast ballots. Electronic voting is also available in the election, which will determine the composition of Russia’s 450-seat State Duma.
The election is the first Russian parliamentary vote since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. President Vladimir Putin has portrayed the election as a measure of public support for the war and has urged Russians to participate.
In a televised address before voting began, Putin said the election would demonstrate national unity and support for Russian troops. The Kremlin has sought to present the vote as evidence of continued public backing for its policies.
The ruling United Russia party currently holds a dominant position in the State Duma and is widely expected to retain control of the chamber. Several smaller parliamentary parties are also competing, although they generally support the government on major issues, including the war in Ukraine.
The election has faced criticism over the limited space available to genuine opposition voices. Russia’s Supreme Court recently removed the liberal Yabloko party from the national party ballot, while several anti-war politicians have been imprisoned, barred from political activity or forced to leave the country.
Voting is also taking place in Crimea and four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed, a move condemned by Ukraine. Kyiv has called the voting in Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories illegal and urged other governments and international organizations not to recognize it.
The election comes as Russia faces economic pressure, including fuel shortages, labor constraints, high interest rates and the effects of Western sanctions. Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian infrastructure have also added to domestic economic challenges.
Initial results are expected Sunday evening, with near-final results anticipated on Monday.
The vote is therefore being closely watched not only for the composition of the next State Duma but also for what it may indicate about political participation, public sentiment and the Kremlin’s ability to maintain its political dominance during wartime.
Swifteradio.com
