Russian Republicans began voting for a new parliament on Friday, which is set to continue for three days. This election is the first since the start of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and is likely to be won by Vladimir Putin's party, the President of Russia.
Election Under Heavy Supervision
Only pro-war parties in Ukraine are allowed to participate in this election, and the opposition has been barred from attending. Although Putin is expected to win easily, this election is viewed as a kind of referendum on the continuation of his military campaign, which has now entered its fifth year.
Read more: The man who sprayed General Omar with vinegar was sentenced to 14 months in prison
Polling is taking place at a time when public sentiment is gradually shifting towards opposition to the war. Rising prices, internet restrictions, fuel shortages, and rumors of a possible re-enlistment of troops after the elections are factors contributing to this change in sentiment.
Voting in New Regions
Putin has called this voting a "collective participation in Russia's victory over Ukraine." More than 110 million Russians are eligible to vote for 450 members of the lower house of the Russian parliament, known as the Duma. The "United Russia" party, led by Putin, currently holds more than two-thirds of the seats and is expected to maintain this dominance, allowing him to continue the military campaign despite declining public support.
The Kamchatka Peninsula and Chukotka were the first regions among the 11 time zones in Russia to begin voting on Friday. This election is also being held for the first time in Ukrainian regions occupied by Russia, including Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson, which is met with opposition from Kyiv. Additionally, the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014, is participating for the second time in this election.
While voters are selecting their parliamentary representatives, members of regional parliaments will also be elected in eight other regions. This election is taking place amid significant criticism of the processes and results, and concerns about the transparency and fairness of the voting remain strong.
Read more: Trump administration raises the possibility of establishing a military base in Poland · Don Bacon responds to Jim Banks about reaction to presidential candidacy
