Russia votes in State Duma and local elections; annexed Ukrainian territories included
About 111 million eligible; United Russia expected to dominate as anti-war voices face bans, arrests or exile.
Russia holds votes this weekend for the State Duma while a number of regional and municipal contests are taking place across the country. About 111 million people are eligible to vote, and for the first time residents of Ukrainian territories that Russia annexed in 2022 are included in the electoral lists.
United Russia expected to keep dominance amid tightened oversight
The ruling party, United Russia, is widely expected to retain its dominant position in parliament. The campaign has unfolded under increased political oversight: the party that most openly criticized the military campaign was barred from the ballot, and some anti-war politicians are jailed or have left the country.
The war in Ukraine and its fallout remain an important issue for a portion of Russian voters, particularly after recent drone attacks on infrastructure and energy facilities that have heightened economic and security concerns.
Some residents of Moscow said they want tangible change and for authorities to pay more attention to the economic and social effects of the conflict.
“I would like to see some changes. To see another party,” a Moscow resident told a reporter.
When the reporter asked, “What do you mean by ‘another party’?” the resident replied, “Well, another party. Not the one that is in power right now.” Asked whether there are not five or six such parties, he answered, “Well, not the one that controls absolutely everything.”
Photo: press material from the event
