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Russia's Parliamentary Elections Offer Little Surprise
Developing
In Short: In the first parliamentary elections since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russians cast ballots amid a slowing economy and ongoing conflict.
Russians went to the polls on Sunday to elect lawmakers for the State Duma, the lower house of Russia's parliament, in an election overshadowed by the ongoing war in Ukraine and economic challenges.
The Kremlin, under President Vladimir Putin, has long suppressed political opposition and manipulated elections, leaving little room for surprises in the outcome.
According to reports, Russia's opposition, which has been marginalized and faced increasing repression, urged voters to support candidates who oppose the war in Ukraine.
Despite the call for anti-war votes, the election is expected to largely reflect the Kremlin's control over the political landscape.
The election comes at a time when Russia is grappling with economic difficulties, including inflation and sanctions imposed by Western countries in response to the war.
What's still developing
- Russians cast ballots to choose lawmakers for the State Duma, with the all-out war on Ukraine and a slowing economy looming over the country's first parliamentary elections since the start of the 2022 invasion.
- Russia's fractious and beleaguered opposition has called on people to vote for any candidates espousing an anti-war message.
Sources
- Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertylink