Russia wraps up first wartime parliamentary election with Kremlin dominance all but assured
Summary
Russia held its first parliamentary election since the start of its war against Ukraine. The vote included areas that Russia annexed from Ukraine, which Ukraine and much of the world do not accept. The main pro-Kremlin party is expected to keep strong control, while real opposition parties faced many barriers.Key Facts
- The election took place over several days and allowed online voting to increase participation among 111 million voters in Russia.
- For the first time, residents of four Ukrainian regions annexed by Russia, plus Crimea (annexed in 2014), were allowed to vote.
- Ukraine and the European Union called the voting illegal and said it violates international law.
- The Kremlin aims to show strong support for its policies and the war in Ukraine through this election.
- Genuine opposition parties were removed from the ballot or suppressed; some opposition politicians were imprisoned or fled the country.
- There were reports of election violations such as observers being denied access, sealed ballot boxes opened, and police involvement.
- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) was not invited to observe the election, violating Russia’s international commitments.
- Early results expected that the ruling United Russia party will keep its dominant position in the parliament (State Duma).
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