Russia's ruling party, United Russia, has achieved a record-breaking 349 seats in the 450-member State Duma, according to final results released by the Central Election Commission. This outcome follows a contest characterized by the absence of genuine opposition, as critics of the war were barred from participating. Notably, 46 veterans of the conflict in Ukraine secured parliamentary seats, a development praised by the Kremlin as the emergence of a new political elite. Despite international sanctions and ongoing hostilities, election officials reported a turnout of 59.8%, the highest since 2011. The process included voting in occupied Ukrainian territories and at numerous stations abroad. Independent observers have described these elections as the least competitive in modern Russian history, noting that the legislative body remains a key instrument for maintaining the administration's control over national policy.
Source : The Moscow Times
