In a statement following the parliamentary elections held from September 18 to 20, President Vladimir Putin presented the high turnout as a sign of Russians’ support for the Armed Forces fighting in Ukraine and the government’s efforts to protect national security.
Putin had previously framed the election as a test of public support for the 4.5-year war in Ukraine and of the determination to continue fighting until military objectives were achieved.
Turnout reaches 59.3%
Russia’s Central Election Commission announced that turnout in the parliamentary elections was 59.3%. TASS reported that the figure exceeded most of the turnout rates recorded in recent State Duma elections.
In his first public statement on the election results, Putin said, “The fact that so many people went to the polls, even at a record level, shows that the people support our efforts to strengthen the country.”
United Russia expected to win 355 seats
According to the results announced on Monday and largely completed, Putin-backed United Russia received more than 57% of the vote. The party is expected to win 355 seats in the 450-seat State Duma, giving it control of approximately 80% of the chamber.
The result was described as a record for United Russia in terms of the number of seats it won. The election took place within a tightly controlled political system that excluded most anti-war candidates.
Putin addresses soldiers at the front
Addressing soldiers at the front directly in a televised speech, Putin said, “This vote is for you. People believe in you, they believe in our victory, and they believe in your courage and heroism.”