Putin Crushes Last of Opposition Ahead of Parliament Elections
- Kremlin seeks to extend control of legislature amid discontent
- With critics sidelined, vote seen as referendum on Putin rule
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President Vladimir Putin has sidelined the last of his independent political opponents, jailing some and driving others into exile, as his ruling party seeks to extend its control in parliamentary elections despite simmering discontent.
While Putin personally retains broad support, according to polls, his United Russia ruling party recorded some of the lowest ratings in nearly a decade earlier this year, scorned by voters angry over stagnant living standards and unpopular policies.