Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on citizens to participate in the upcoming three-day parliamentary elections, framing the vote as a crucial indicator of public backing for the ongoing military campaign in Ukraine. As the nation prepares to elect members to the 450-seat State Duma, the president emphasized that high turnout would signal national unity and resilience against external pressures. This election marks the first legislative contest since the start of the full-scale conflict in February 2022. While the ruling United Russia party is anticipated to maintain its legislative control, the political environment remains strictly managed, with most opposition candidates excluded from the ballot. In his televised address, Putin asserted that the electoral process serves as a collective demonstration of support for Russian soldiers and a rejection of attempts to undermine the country's sovereignty and political stability.
Source : The Moscow Times
