Russia’s Three-Day Parliamentary Vote Underway

Russia’s three-day parliamentary election is underway, with voting continuing across the country after polls opened on Friday.

The election runs through Sunday and is the first parliamentary vote in Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

More than 111 million voters are eligible to cast ballots to elect all 450 members of the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament. Electronic voting is also available in several regions.

The ruling United Russia party, which supports President Vladimir Putin, is widely expected to retain its dominant position in parliament. The political system remains tightly controlled, with most anti-war opposition figures excluded from the ballot.

Putin has presented the election as a demonstration of national unity and support for Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.

The Kremlin is also closely watching the vote for indications of public sentiment over the war, which has entered its fifth year, as Ukrainian drone attacks and Western sanctions continue to affect Russia.

Voting is also taking place in Ukrainian territories that Russia claims to have annexed. Ukraine and its international partners have rejected Russia’s elections in those areas as illegitimate.

Initial results are expected after voting ends on Sunday, with more complete results expected on Monday.