‘Voters get to choose — just not the result’: Russia’s parliamentary election reaches occupied Ukraine

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Russia holds first wartime parliamentary elections

   Russians began a three-day voting period on Friday to elect lawmakers for the Duma. This is the first nationwide parliamentary race since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The election takes place amid an intensifying war and a tightening grip on power by Vladimir Putin. Observers note a lack of opposition and the use of incentives for e-voting, suggesting the process is designed to cement Kremlin dominance rather than provide a competitive democratic contest. Voting has also extended into occupied territories of Ukraine.

   Why it matters

   The Kremlin uses these elections as a tool for legitimacy and political feedback. Because no party can be antiwar, the results are expected to secure current political leadership.

   What is confirmed

   • Voting for the Duma lasts for three days.
   • This is the first nationwide parliamentary election since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
   • The election process includes voting in occupied Ukraine.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Prizes are being offered to encourage e-voting.
   • No party in the election is permitted to be antiwar.
   • The elections feature virtually no opposition.

   What to watch next

   • Official vote tallies for the Duma
   • Reports on voter turnout in occupied Ukrainian territories
   Sources used for this update (10)

   1. The Guardian — Russians go to polls against backdrop of Ukraine war and Putin’s tightening grip
   2. The New York Times — Opinion | This Is How Putin Took Total Control
   3. CNN — Empty podiums, prizes for e-voting, no opposition: Russians head to the polls amid intensifying war in Ukraine
   4. The New York Times — Why Autocrats Care What People Think
   5. apnews.com — Russians begin 3 days of voting in a parliamentary election set to cement the Kremlin's power
   6. Fox News — ‘Voters get to choose — just not the result’: Russia’s parliamentary election reaches occupied Ukraine
   7. Al Jazeera — The view from Russia: ‘No party can be antiwar’ in parliamentary election
   8. www.chicagotribune.com — Russia begins 3 days of voting in a parliamentary election set to cement the Kremlin’s power
   9. www.aljazeera.com — Russia’s elections are more than political theatre
   10. www.kawc.org — Russians head to the polls to choose lawmakers for their parliament
   confidence 90%