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
TL;DR
- The election is expected to see Vladimir Putin's United Russia party extend its 23-year grip on parliament.
- The vote is the first Duma election since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and occurs as the war increasingly impacts daily life in Russia.
- The liberal anti-war party Yabloko was barred from the ballot, leaving only 'systemic opposition' parties that generally support the Kremlin.
- The Kremlin is keeping the election low-key to depress turnout among disaffected voters and ensure its supporters vote.
- The elections serve to provide the Kremlin with legitimacy and reinforce the impression of broad public consent for the political system and the war.
- There are growing fears of another large-scale mobilization in Russia following the election, prompting some to leave the country.
- President Putin has linked participation in the election to the war, presenting voting as a demonstration of unity.