https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/there-are-no-decent-parties-left-sham-elections-underscore-putin-s-grip-on-russiaContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/there-are-no-decent-parties-left-sham-elections-underscore-putin-s-grip-on-russiahttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/there-are-no-decent-parties-left-sham-elections-underscore-putin-s-grip-on-russia#u77194Sun, 20 Sep 2026 07:20:30 +0000Russians started three days of voting in a parliamentary election designed to cement the Kremlin's power and test public backing for the ongoing war in Ukraine. The balloting features empty podiums, prizes for electronic voting, and a complete absence of opposition parties. President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of interfering in the electoral process as citizens head to the polls against the backdrop of an intensifying conflict and the tightening grip of his administration.Why it mattersThe elections serve as a key indicator of domestic political stability and public support for milita