Putin’s Party Claims Big Win in Parliament Vote Amid Crackdown
- Few signs of simmering discontent after Kremlin pressure
- United Russia’s popularity has plunged amid stagnant incomes
Electoral commission members empty a ballot box at a polling station in Moscow, on Sept. 19.
Photographer: Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images
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President Vladimir Putin’s ruling party claimed a decisive victory in legislative polls, although discontent eroded support in some areas and opponents alleged widespread fraud.
United Russia was on track to maintain its majority of more than two-thirds of the seats in the State Duma with 99% of ballots counted, according to the Central Election Commission. While the ruling party won most of the regional races, in two regions, the ruling party came in second to the Communists, a rare defeat.