The Russian parliamentary elections include the main Kremlin party, United Russia, and nine other parties, all of which support Vladimir Putin's policies. The only party that opposed the war in Ukraine has been barred from participating in these elections.
Kremlin's Political Control
The lack of a real opposition almost guarantees that the Kremlin will maintain a firm grip on the political scene in Russia, while economic costs have risen and attacks from Ukraine on oil refineries and online retailers are increasing. These attacks have heightened the pain felt by the Russian people from the war.
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The Kremlin wants this election — the first election since the full-scale invasion began in 2022 — to demonstrate public support for the war and to lend an appearance of legitimacy to its actions. The institution has tried to eliminate any signs of discontent.
Election Details
From Friday to Sunday, Russians will elect members of the lower house, the Duma, and will also participate in local elections. In 11 regions, voters will elect their governors, and 39 regions will also determine members of local councils.
Voting will take place over three days to increase participation among 111 million eligible voters and will include areas that Russia has illegally annexed in Ukraine. Electronic voting is also permitted.
Half of the Duma's seats, which total 450, will be filled through party lists, while the other half will be contested in single-member races. The main Kremlin party, United Russia, is expected to maintain its dominant control over the Duma.
The Liberal Yabloko party, the only registered political party opposing the war, was initially on the voter list but the Supreme Court ordered its removal in August. This party now only has candidates in single-member races.
The Communist Party has been a leading force in parliament since the 1990s and has consistently supported government policies. The Liberal Democratic Party of Russia has also been present in parliament since its establishment as an extreme nationalist force.
The "Just Russia" party, active in the Russian political scene for two decades, is trying to appeal to an older and middle-aged voter base by supporting the war in Ukraine.
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Source: abcnews.com
