The Kremlin Has Put Lots of Veterans on the Ballot. Could It Backfire?

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1. 1h ago

   Russia Holds Parliamentary Elections Amid Ukraine Conflict

   Russia is conducting a three-day parliamentary vote intended to consolidate Kremlin power. The elections include territories illegally annexed from Ukraine and feature a high number of military veterans on the ballot. To encourage participation, the government is offering prizes for e-voting. However, the process faces challenges, including reported online attacks on the electoral system during the second day of voting and a lack of viable political opposition.

   Why it matters

   The Kremlin is using these elections to signal stability and legitimacy while the war in Ukraine intensifies. By placing veterans on the ballot, the government attempts to link military effort with domestic governance.

   What is confirmed

   • Russia is holding a three-day parliamentary election.
   • The vote includes areas Russia illegally annexed from Ukraine.
   • The elections are taking place during an intensifying war in Ukraine.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The electoral system suffered online attacks on the second day of voting.

   What to watch next

   • Reports on the impact of online attacks on the final tally.
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.nytimes.com — Today’s Paper
   2. www.nytimes.com — World News
   3. CNN — Empty podiums, prizes for e-voting, no opposition: Russians head to the polls amid intensifying war in Ukraine
   4. apnews.com — Russians begin 3 days of voting in a parliamentary election set to cement the Kremlin's power
   5. NBC News — Russia holds parliamentary vote in areas it illegally annexed from Ukraine in the war
   6. The New York Times — The Kremlin Has Put Lots of Veterans on the Ballot. Could It Backfire?
   7. Reuters — Russia reports online attacks on electoral system on second day of parliamentary vote
   confidence 80%