The view from Russia: ‘No party can be antiwar’ in parliamentary election

Russia is holding its first parliamentary election since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with 450 Duma seats contested. The governing United Russia party, led by President Vladimir Putin, is widely expected to maintain its majority. Putin has framed the election as a demonstration of public support for the ongoing "special military operation" in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of holding elections on schedule to maintain legitimacy. Despite some domestic challenges, including drone attacks and fuel shortages, the Kremlin appears to be seeking a mandate for its actions. While some Russians view the election as a sham, others are using it as an opportunity to express dissent by voting for non-United Russia candidates, though no party can openly oppose the war.

Russia has opened polls for its first parliamentary elections since the invasion of Ukraine, a vote expected to gauge public support for the ongoing conflict. Ukraine launched a barrage of over 350 drones targeting Moscow and other Russian regions as voting commenced. The three-day election for the 450 seats in the State Duma is taking place across Russia's 11 time zones, with voting extending until Sunday. Notably, only parties supporting the war are on the ballot, as the sole antiwar party, Yabloko, was barred. Moscow is also organizing balloting in occupied parts of Ukraine. President Putin's United Russia party is anticipated to win the majority of seats, but the margin of victory and results from other parties are being closely observed as a measure of public sentiment amidst banned protests and absent antiwar candidates.

Russia's State Duma elections are underway, including in occupied Ukrainian territories, marking the first such elections since the 2022 invasion. Critics argue these elections are designed to create an illusion of popular support for Russia's actions, as the OSCE has not been invited to observe, a move deemed a breach of international commitments. Russia has implemented strict censorship and suppressed dissent, with opposition parties banned and critics facing severe penalties. Ukraine and the international community do not recognize Russian sovereignty over these occupied regions. The elections are seen by critics as a means for President Putin to legitimize his narrative of the war and annexations. Voting methods in occupied areas, including door-to-door ballot collection by soldiers, are described as intimidation tactics.

Russia's upcoming elections are expected to yield predictable results, with all registered parties in the Duma demonstrating unanimous support for the "special military operation" by voting in favor of related legislation. While these "systemic" parties differ in ideology, they function as integral components of the Kremlin's political apparatus. The exclusion of the anti-war party Yabloko from the national ballot, following its call for a ceasefire, and the subsequent detention and prosecution of its candidates in individual races, suggest Kremlin concern over potential anti-war sentiment among voters. This demonstrates the Kremlin's control over the electoral landscape, ensuring legislative alignment and limiting dissenting voices.