Russians go to polls against backdrop of Ukraine war and Putin’s tightening grip
Russia is holding a three-day parliamentary election for the State Duma, with Vladimir Putin's United Russia party expected to maintain its dominance. The election occurs amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and a political environment where meaningful opposition has been effectively barred.
Why it matters
The election serves as a barometer for the Kremlin's control over domestic politics during a period of international conflict and internal economic and social pressure.
A volunteer handing out flyers for a United Russia candidate in Moscow. A volunteer handing out flyers for a United Russia candidate in Moscow. Russia Russians go to polls against backdrop of Ukraine war and Putin’s tightening grip President’s United Russia party faces no meaningful opposition after liberal anti-war party barred from ballot
Prefer the Guardian on Google Russians are going to the polls to elect a new State Duma in a tightly controlled vote stripped of meaningful competition and with little doubt about the result.
Vladimir Putin’s United Russia is expected to extend the grip on parliament it has held for 23 years, alongside a handful of nominal opposition parties that reliably vote with the Kremlin on the issues that matter. The three-day vote begins on Friday, with results expected after polls close on Sunday.
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