Parliamentary Elections in Russia Enter Their Third and Final Day
The voting process in Russia's parliamentary elections, which President Putin has framed as a test of support for the war in Ukraine, has reached its final day.
Parliamentary elections in Russia, where the ruling United Russia party is expected to maintain its dominance and which have been presented by President Vladimir Putin as a test of the war in Ukraine, entered their third and final day on Sunday.
Significance of the Elections and Political Situation
The State Duma elections hold the distinction of being the first vote held following Russia's full-scale war launched in Ukraine in February 2022. The Kremlin aims to present this process as evidence of public support for Putin's policies and the war.
State of the Opposition and Pressures
While most anti-war candidates were barred from the ballots, candidates from the liberal Yabloko party expressed concerns over their freedom following prison sentences handed down by authorities to party figures over statements regarding the clashes.
Security Allegations and Expectations for Results
While Putin accused Ukraine on Friday of attempting to interfere in the elections, it was reported that the online voting system in Moscow was also subjected to a cyber attack. Initial results are expected to begin coming in around 18:00 GMT on Sunday, with more comprehensive results announced on Monday.