Russia holds first wartime parliamentary election as United Russia set for dominance

Russia's ruling party has won a record number of parliamentary seats in a tightly orchestrated wartime election that barred any real opposition.

With 95% of the ballots counted, Russian election officials said the pro-Kremlin ruling party received 57.83% of the party-list vote.

In Russia, early results from the parliamentary election show the Kremlin-backed United Russia party leading in the tightly controlled vote. The election, the country’s first parliamentary ballot held during wartime, began on Friday and concluded on Sunday, with around 111 million people eligible to vote. Moscow’s mayor said voting went ahead as planned despite Ukrainian drone attacks. Charlotte Hughes reports.

Russia's parliamentary elections concluded on Sunday, projecting that the United Russia party will continue to rule. This election was marred by a heavy clampdown on opposition and dissent, alongside controversial voting in Ukrainian territories annexed by Russia. Ukraine condemned these actions, leading to international outcry, as numerous watchdogs deemed the election illegal under global treaties. Results are anticipated soon after the conclusion of voting in western Russia.

For the first time, the election included residents of four Ukrainian regions that Moscow illegally annexed after the war began but still doesn't fully control.

The election was virtually devoid of opposition to President Putin's policies.

The Kremlin wants the election to showcase popular support for the war and legitimize its action, stamping out any dissent to avoid political risks.