Russia parliamentary election begins as Kremlin seeks war backing - India Today

Russia’s three-day parliamentary election began with limited opposition and aims to bolster Kremlin backing for the war, as authorities push turnout across voting weekend and even allow online voting. Voting occurs amid security incidents and controversy over ballots in annexed and Russian-held Ukrainian regions, with United Russia expected to retain control of the State Duma despite the war and criticism.

Russia parliamentary election begins as Kremlin seeks war backing - India Today # Russia election begins with no real opposition amid Ukraine war shadow ## Russia opened a three-day parliamentary election with online voting and tight security. The poll is expected to cement Kremlin control amid war, dissent curbs and criticism over occupied territories. Stock photo used for illustration India Today World Desk Moscow, UPDATED: Sep 19, 2026 00:00 IST Russians on Friday began three days of voting in the country’s first parliamentary election since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, in a contest with virtually no opposition and one that is widely expected to reinforce the Kremlin’s political dominance. Authorities have spread the vote over the weekend, ending on Sunday, to try to raise turnout among 111 million eligible voters, and also allowed electronic voting. The Central Election Commission said turnout was about 30 per cent by late Friday, including online votes. The Kremlin wants the election to project public support for the war and lend legitimacy to its actions, while moving to remove even the slightest sign of dissent. In a message before the vote, President Vladimir Putin told the nation: "Your choice and resolve will once again demonstrate that millions of people stand behind our fighters, that we are a united people, bound by shared values, historical memory, and love for the Motherland." The Kremlin said Putin voted online on Friday and released images of him in front of a computer screen. The main Kremlin party, United Russia, is all but certain t…

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