Russia to hold United Russia-dominated parliamentary election Sept 18-20
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Russia holds its first parliamentary election since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with 450 State Duma seats at stake over three days. The Kremlin expects the ruling United Russia party to secure a dominant majority, reinforcing support for President Vladimir Putin and the war. The vote follows a campaign marked by low expectations and the exclusion of the only anti-war party, Yabloko.
Key Facts
- The election for 450 State Duma seats runs from Friday to Sunday, the first parliamentary vote since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
- Nearly 200 war veterans are participating as candidates, part of a Kremlin effort to promote military veterans' political careers.
- The Yabloko party, the only registered party opposing the war, was barred from contesting the vote by Russia's top court last month.
- United Russia's approval ratings have fallen to a four-year low amid a fuel crisis and Ukrainian drone strikes on warehouses.
- All parties in the previous Duma voted in favor of 170 laws supporting the 'special military operation,' according to Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov.
Election Mechanics
The vote for the 450-seat State Duma takes place over three days, from Friday to Sunday. This is the first parliamentary election since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. The Kremlin describes Russia's system as 'managed democracy,' with the president holding huge powers and few political surprises. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia has its own political system and process, dismissing criticism that the vote is neither free nor fair.
Campaign Dynamics
The campaign has featured unusual moments, including a televised debate where all six candidates failed to show up. In another debate, a candidate sang his pitch to the tune of 'The Communist Party, onwards we go!' At the final session of the previous Duma in July, MPs stood and applauded as the speaker chanted 'Russia, Putin, Victory!' repeatedly. Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov said all parties in the Duma voted in favor of 170 laws to support the 'special military operation,' calling it '100% agreement.'
Public Sentiment
Opinion polls show United Russia far ahead of rivals, but its approval ratings have slumped to a four-year low. The decline comes amid a nationwide fuel crisis and Ukrainian drone strikes on delivery warehouses. All parties on the ballot have publicly pledged loyalty to Putin and his political views to some degree. The Yabloko party, the only registered party opposing the war, was barred from contesting the vote by Russia's top court last month.
2 sources
Time · lag behind first