Parliamentary elections begin in Russia amid electronic turnout and rising political importance
Polling stations in Russia opened their doors today, Friday, to begin voting in the parliamentary elections to choose members of the State Duma in its ninth session, in the first parliamentary election the country has witnessed since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022, amid widespread adoption of the direct electronic voting mechanism.
The electoral process will continue for three days, from September 18 to 20, with decisive competition for 450 seats, the total number of members of the Duma, in a ballot in which approximately 111 million voters are entitled to participate. In the capital, Moscow, polling centers receive voters from eight in the morning until eight in the evening, with polling stations reinforced with stations designated for electronic voting.
These elections gain special strategic importance in light of the current diplomatic and field polarization. Russian President Vladimir Putin classified it as an “essential domestic political station,” linking popular participation in it with demonstrating the cohesion of the home front and supporting Russia’s war effort.
Politically, the ruling “United Russia” party enters the race armed with its previous dominance of parliamentary seats, amid media and field speculation that it will continue to seize the parliamentary majority. On the other hand, opponents and observers criticize the political climate accompanying the electoral process, considering that competition is “limited.” These are accusations that the Russian authorities categorically refute, affirming the integrity of the vote and rejecting allegations of manipulation.
These legislative elections come at a time when the war in Ukraine has entered its fifth year, marking the first Duma elections held inside Russian territory since the start of the comprehensive invasion in February 2022.
