Russia begins 3 days of voting in a parliamentary election set to cement the Kremlin’s power

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1. 1h ago

   Russia Starts Three-Day Parliamentary Vote Amid Ukraine War

   Russia has launched a three-day parliamentary election intended to solidify Kremlin power and measure support for the ongoing war in Ukraine. The voting process includes residents of regions Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine for the first time since the full-scale invasion began over 4 1/2 years ago. The election is characterized by a lack of opposition and the use of incentives for e-voting, occurring as the Russian economy struggles and the Kremlin seeks to maintain a grip on political control.

   Why it matters

   This vote serves as a mechanism for the Kremlin to seek legitimacy and feedback during a wartime period. It follows a pattern of tightening political control by Vladimir Putin. The inclusion of annexed territories marks an effort to cement territorial gains.

   What is confirmed

   • Russia is conducting a three-day parliamentary election.
   • The election takes place during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
   • The voting process features virtually no opposition.
   • The election includes residents of regions Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Kremlin views the election as a gauge of support for the war.
   • Russians are feeling the pain of a struggling economy during the election.
   • The elections are stage-managed.

   What to watch next

   • Official vote tallies from the annexed Ukrainian regions
   • International reactions to the inclusion of annexed territories in the vote
   • Reports on the actual turnout of e-voting versus physical polling
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. baynews9.com — Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections staff making final preparations as early primary voting begins this weekend
   2. cnbc.com — Putin braces for election stress test as Russians ‘feel the pain’ of struggling economy
   3. The Guardian — Russians go to polls against backdrop of Ukraine war and Putin’s tightening grip
   4. The New York Times — Opinion | This Is How Putin Took Total Control
   5. CNN — Empty podiums, prizes for e-voting, no opposition: Russians head to the polls amid intensifying war in Ukraine
   6. apnews.com — Russians begin 3 days of voting in a parliamentary election set to cement the Kremlin's power
   7. Reuters — Russians vote in election that Putin sees as gauge of support for his war
   8. npr.org — A Russian election and a warning to Europe about Russian aggression
   9. The New York Times — Russia Holds Stage-Managed Elections
   10. www.nbcnews.com — Russia holds parliamentary vote in areas it illegally annexed from Ukraine in the war
   11. www.aljazeera.com — Russia’s elections are more than political theatre
   12. nagalandpost.com — Russians begin 3 days of voting in parliamentary election set to cement Kremlin’s power
   confidence 90%