Three-Day Parliamentary Election Process Begins in Russia in the Shadow of War

In Russia, voting began on Friday for a three-day parliamentary election with virtually no opposition, held for the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine. The elections are expected to cement the Kremlin's political dominance.

Three-Day Voting Process

Voters across Russia began a three-day voting process on Friday for the country's first parliamentary election in wartime. Authorities extended the voting across the weekend and permitted electronic voting in order to increase turnout among the 111 million eligible voters.

Kremlin's Political Objectives

The Kremlin administration wants this first parliamentary election held since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to highlight public support for the war and lend an appearance of legitimacy to the steps taken.

State of the Opposition and Pressures

Authorities sought to prevent political risks by eliminating even the slightest sign of opposition. While the liberal Yabloko party was removed from the ballot, the ruling United Russia party is widely expected to maintain its control over the State Duma, the lower house of parliament.

Occupied Regions

The elections also include residents of the four Ukrainian regions annexed by Moscow after the start of the war, as well as Crimea. Kyiv authorities stated that the voting conducted in these Russian-controlled regions is illegal.