Russians vote in three-day parliamentary election amid Ukraine war

Moscow, Russia. Russians began voting on Friday in a three-day parliamentary election that President Vladimir Putin said would demonstrate support for the country’s forces fighting in Ukraine. Most anti-war candidates were barred from standing.

Expected result

The State Duma election, the first since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine in February 2022, is widely expected to see the ruling pro-Putin United Russia party retain its dominance in Russia’s tightly controlled political system.

The Kremlin is expected to cite the result as evidence of broad public support for Putin’s policies, particularly his prosecution of Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two, now in its fifth year.

Putin’s appeal

In a televised address before the vote, Putin said voters would show that millions of people supported Russian soldiers.

“Your choice, and your will, will once again demonstrate that millions of people stand behind our soldiers, that we are a united people bound together by shared values, historical memory, and love for our homeland, and that no one will succeed in dividing or intimidating us,” he said.

A state television advertisement urging participation showed Russian military commanders through the ages before depicting soldiers holding the national flag after winning a battle in Ukraine. Its slogan read: “Their voice is the voice of victory. Your vote is the strength of Russia!”

In the run-up to the vote, bone fragments from the sword hand of a medieval Russian prince who won a famous victory over the Mongols were sent to the front in Ukraine, in a move aimed at boosting morale and support for continuing the fighting until victory.

Voter concerns

Voting in Moscow, 76-year-old Anatoliy Simonenko said he was concerned about possible developments after the election, amid speculation that the authorities may announce a new wave of mobilisation. The authorities have repeatedly denied such plans.

“There are some very grim predictions, and others that are more optimistic. I expect the outcome will likely fall somewhere in the middle. War is war. It entails expenses, defence spending, and cuts to various social benefits. Well, it’s necessary; there’s no getting around it,” he told Reuters.

Another voter, who declined to give a name, said the results could be easily rigged and questioned an electronic voting system used in some parts of the country. The electoral commission has rejected such claims as false.

Opposition candidates

Voting began across Russia’s 11 time zones after most anti-war candidates had been excluded from the ballot.

Last month, the Supreme Court ruled that the liberal Yabloko party, which supports a ceasefire in Ukraine, had breached electoral rules. The party denied the allegation.