Voting is underway in a tightly controlled election for the State Duma, with the ruling United Russia party expected to maintain its long-standing dominance.

Russians began voting on Friday in a three-day parliamentary election, the first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The contest is widely expected to see President Vladimir Putin’s ruling United Russia party retain its control over the State Duma. The election takes place across 11 time zones and includes voting in parts of Ukraine occupied by Russian forces, a move not recognized by Kyiv or Western nations.

Political Landscape and Exclusions

The ballot features only parties that support the Kremlin and the war in Ukraine, including the Communist Party, A Just Russia, the nationalist LDPR, and New People. The liberal Yabloko party, the only group openly opposing the invasion, was barred from participating by the Supreme Court. Analysts describe the remaining parties as "systemic opposition," permitted to offer minor criticism but reliably aligning with the government on major issues.

Kremlin Strategy and Public Sentiment

President Putin has framed the election as a demonstration of national unity and support for soldiers fighting in Ukraine. State media campaigns have linked the vote to military success, while the Kremlin has promoted nearly 200 candidates who have served in the conflict as the country's "true elite." Despite official efforts to ensure high turnout, some voters have expressed concerns regarding the integrity of the electronic voting system and potential future military mobilization.