The election is the first parliamentary vote since full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. (Reuters photo)
Russia’s ruling United Russia party, which supports President Vladimir Putin, has taken a strong early lead in the country’s State Duma elections, securing 57.5 per cent of the vote in initial results.
The three-day parliamentary election ended on Sunday, with the final results expected by September 25, according to CNN. The election is the first parliamentary vote since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Overall voter turnout stood at 56.66 per cent, according to the Central Election Commission, while participation in Moscow was also reported to be high. With the result largely expected amid the lack of credible opposition, turnout and the final distribution of the 450 seats are being closely watched.
Early figures released by Russia’s Central Election Commission showed United Russia well ahead of other parties. Putin has sought to present the poll as a measure of public support for his government’s domestic and military policies. The election took place in a tightly controlled political environment, with CNN reporting that meaningful opposition to the Kremlin was largely absent. Yabloko, the country’s only registered anti-war party, was prevented from contesting the federal party-list election after Russia’s Supreme Court barred it last month. Russian citizens living abroad also took part in the three-day vote. In India, Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov cast his ballot in New Delhi. Five polling stations were established for Russian citizens across India, including in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Goa.