Putin-Backed United Russia Secures Constitutional Majority in Russian Election
MOSCOW: Russia’s ruling United Russia party has secured a dominant position in the country’s State Duma following parliamentary elections held from September 18 to 20, according to preliminary results from Russia’s Central Election Commission.
With more than 95% of ballots counted, United Russia had received 57.83% of the party-list vote. The results give the party an estimated 355 of the 450 seats in the lower house, allowing it to retain its constitutional majority.
The election was the first Russian parliamentary vote since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. President Vladimir Putin had presented the election as an important measure of public support for his government and its policies during the war.
United Russia Maintains Dominance
United Russia’s result represents an increase from the 49.8% it recorded in the previous State Duma election in 2021. Other parties cleared the threshold required for representation, including the Communist Party, Liberal Democratic Party and New People.
The election took place amid a tightly controlled political environment. Reports before and during voting highlighted restrictions on anti-war candidates and limited competition, while Russian authorities reported cyberattacks targeting electoral systems.
Election Held During Wartime
The parliamentary vote came after more than four years of full-scale war in Ukraine, with Russia facing continued military and economic pressures. Reuters reported that the campaign period also coincided with fuel shortages and Ukrainian drone attacks affecting Russian energy infrastructure.
Turnout was reported at around 59%, according to preliminary figures. The election also included voting in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine, a move that has drawn criticism from Ukraine and other observers.
The official final results are expected after Russia’s election authorities complete the counting and review of complaints. Until then, the reported seat distribution remains subject to confirmation.
