Russia holds Duma elections with only pro‑Putin parties on ballot

A three‑day election slated for the coming week will determine the composition of all 450 seats in Russia’s State Duma and the occupants of 11 regional governorships. The ballot is limited to parties that publicly support President Vladimir Putin and the ongoing military campaign in Ukraine, effectively excluding opposition groups and any candidates critical of the war effort. Election officials have confirmed that the vote will proceed as scheduled, with polling stations operating across the country from the opening to the close of the three‑day period.

Amid the electoral process, the Kremlin has repeatedly denied reports of a new mobilization order, yet concerns about a possible call-up of reservists continue to dominate public discourse. Analysts note that the fear of expanded conscription is influencing voter sentiment and shaping the political environment, even as the official narrative emphasizes the legitimacy and stability of the upcoming elections. The outcome will solidify the ruling coalition’s control of the legislature and regional administrations, reinforcing the current political direction despite lingering uncertainty over military policy.