Russia is preparing to vote in parliamentary elections from September 18 to 20, with all 450 seats in the State Duma up for grabs. But the campaign is taking place in a tightly controlled political environment, with the ruling United Russia party expected to retain its dominant position and the country’s only openly anti-war party, Yabloko, barred from the race.
The election is the first parliamentary vote since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Half of the Duma’s seats will be allocated through party lists, while the other 225 will be decided in single-member constituencies.
Yabloko’s exclusion narrows the field
Yabloko was removed from the election after Russia’s Supreme Court upheld a challenge brought by the nationalist Rodina party. Rodina had accused Yabloko of receiving undeclared foreign funding, allegations the party rejected. The court ruling came shortly after election authorities had approved Yabloko’s participation.
The exclusion has further reduced the space for openly anti-war political competition. Reuters and AP describe the broader electoral environment as tightly controlled, with opposition figures facing legal and political restrictions.
Candidates have also faced scrutiny over campaign material and past statements. The Italian report cites examples ranging from the use of a Banksy image to references to Soviet diplomat Andrei Gromyko, as well as campaign photographs involving rock bands.
A vote that also serves as a political barometer
Beyond filling the Duma’s 450 seats, the election is closely watched by the Kremlin as an indication of public sentiment, particularly amid the continuing war and economic pressures.
President Vladimir Putin has urged Russians to participate, presenting the election as a demonstration of national unity and support for the country’s soldiers.
The three-day voting format also gives authorities an early view of turnout and voting patterns before the official end of the election.
Campaign promises range from security to free fuel
As in previous Russian elections, parties have competed with a wide variety of campaign promises. United Russia is campaigning under the slogan “For stability! A strong country for strong people,” while other candidates have promised measures ranging from additional air-raid and drone shelters to free fuel and unrestricted internet access.
United Russia won 49.8% of the party-list vote in the 2021 parliamentary election and currently holds a constitutional majority in the Duma.
The 2026 election includes United Russia alongside the Communist Party, LDPR, A Just Russia, New People, Rodina and several smaller parties. The Communist Party remains the largest established opposition force inside parliament, although the major parliamentary parties generally support Putin’s broader political course.
Be First to Comment