Russians will begin three-day elections to the State Duma for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine
Quick Look
- In Russia, three-day elections to the 450-seat State Duma will begin on Friday, the first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
- Most anti-war candidates have been excluded, and Putin's United Russia party is confident of victory.
- The president called for voting in support of soldiers and national unity.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
These are the first State Duma elections since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Earlier parliamentary elections were held in 2021.
Russians will start voting on Friday, which will last three days and will decide on the composition of the 450-person State Duma, the lower house of parliament. These are the first elections at this level since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Opposition outside the lists, authorities confident of victory
The elections are held under tight political control. Most candidates opposing the war were excluded from the vote, and the United Russia party, supported by President Putin, is almost certain to maintain its dominant position in parliament.
In his televised speech, President Putin called on citizens to participate in the elections in large numbers, emphasizing that every vote is support for Russian soldiers and confirmation of national unity.
Your choice and your will will show that millions of people stand behind our soldiers, that we are a united nation bound by common values, historical memory and love for our homeland, said the president.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The United Russia Party will maintain its dominant position in the State Duma
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What will be the turnout in the elections if most of the anti-war candidates are excluded?
- Will the election results be recognized as legal by the international community?
- How will the elections affect Russia's internal stability in the context of the ongoing war?
