On September 18, 2026, Russia conducted parliamentary elections for the State Duma characterized by banned opposition parties, documented rigging, and the ongoing war context. Election observers described the vote as a controlled ritual designed to legitimize Vladimir Putin's governance rather than represent genuine democratic choice.
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A parliamentary election kicked off in Russia on Sept. 18 in what is expected to be a rubber-stamp ritual intended to legitimize President Vladimir Putin's rule. The election will be held over several days and will be completed on Sept. 20. The voting is taking place amid growing frustration among Russians with the war as its costs mount, and Ukraine intensifies drone strikes on Russian territory.
KYIV INDEPENDENT: Inside Russia's 2026 parliamentary election: Banned opposition, rigging, and war https:// kyivindependent.com/inside-rus sias-2026-parliamentary-election-banned-opposition-rigging-and-war/ A parliamentary election kicked off in Russia on Sept. 18 in what is expected to be a rubber-stamp ritual intended to legitimize President Vladimir Putin s rule.The election will be held over s