Russia’s ruling United Russia party, which supports President Vladimir Putin, has taken a strong early lead in the country’s State Duma elections, securing 57.5 per cent of the vote in initial results.The three-day parliamentary election ended on Sunday, with the final results expected by September 25, according to CNN. Early figures released by Russia’s Central Election Commission showed United Russia well ahead of other parties.The election is the first parliamentary vote since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Putin has sought to present the poll as a measure of public support for his government’s domestic and military policies.
Putin links vote to support for troops
Ahead of the election, Putin urged Russians to turn out and portrayed the poll as a show of unity behind the country’s military campaign.“Your choice and determination will show once again that millions of people are backing our fighters and that we stand together, united by shared values, our historical memory, love for our Motherland,” Putin said, according to CNN.Putin himself was not a candidate in the election. He is due to face voters in the next presidential election in 2030.United Russia won 324 of the 450 seats in the State Duma in the previous parliamentary election in 2021.
Opposition largely absent
The election took place in a tightly controlled political environment, with CNN reporting that meaningful opposition to the Kremlin was largely absent.Yabloko, the country’s only registered anti-war party, was prevented from contesting the federal party-list election after Russia’s Supreme Court barred it last month.Overall voter turnout stood at 56.66 per cent, according to the Central Election Commission, while participation in Moscow was also reported to be high. With the result largely expected amid the lack of credible opposition, turnout and the final distribution of the 450 seats are being closely watched.
Ukraine war overshadows voting
The parliamentary election coincided with intensified military activity between Russia and Ukraine.CNN reported that Ukraine launched more than 1,000 drones towards Moscow and the surrounding region on Sunday. Russian officials said at least two people were killed and a major oil refinery was damaged.Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the attacks were intended to disrupt the election. Ukraine has not independently confirmed that claim.The Kremlin is expected to use the election result to demonstrate domestic support for Putin and his policies, including the war in Ukraine.Russian citizens living abroad also took part in the three-day vote. In India, Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov cast his ballot in New Delhi. Five polling stations were established for Russian citizens across India, including in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Goa.The final results are expected to be announced by September 25, when the composition of the next State Duma will become clear.