United Russia wins plurality in tightly controlled parliamentary vote

United Russia secured the largest share of votes in a tightly controlled parliamentary election in Russia, taking 49.4 percent according to preliminary results released by Russian media.

The Communist Party finished second with 14.2 percent, followed by the ultra‑nationalist LDPR on 10.7 percent and the relatively new New People party on 9.7 percent, the early tallies show.

Context and critics

All parties that are expected to enter the new parliament are widely regarded as loyal to the Kremlin and supportive of President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine, a point noted by international coverage of the vote.

International observers, Western governments and Kremlin opponents rejected the balloting as neither free nor fair, accusing authorities of excluding genuine opposition and tightly managing the political landscape. The anti‑war party Yabloko was barred from participating. Voting was held over three days.

For the Kremlin the vote served as a barometer of public backing for Putin's continuing military campaign in Ukraine. Dozens of veterans of the conflict ran as candidates on United Russia’s lists.

United Russia, which has dominated Russian politics for more than two decades, entered the election contending with mounting economic pressure, signs of war fatigue and broader popular discontent.

Photo: press material from the event