On September 18, the vote within the framework of the United Election Day officially opened in the Central Federal District and many areas throughout Russia. Polling stations were also set up in Russian-controlled territories in Ukraine.
The event takes place in three days, from September 18 to 20, to elect lawmakers of the 9th National Duma (Lower House), and consolidate personnel for about 23,000 positions at all levels of government.
This year's legislative race recorded the participation of 10 political parties, including the United Russia Party, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, the New People Party, the Fair Russia Party, the Pensioners' Party, the Communist Party of Russia, Rodina, the Direct Democracy Party and the Green Party.
This is Russia's first legislative election since the special military operation in Ukraine broke out in February 2022.
Although the victory of the United Russia Party was predicted, the vote is seen as an important test of public support for the prolonged conflict situation.
The voting atmosphere took place in the context of increasing long-range raids. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that Russian air defense had just shot down most of the 350 unmanned aerial vehicles targeted by Kiev at the capital area overnight.
Domestic public opinion also expressed concern about the possibility of a new military mobilization post-election, similar to the 30 million reservists mobilized in 2022, despite Russian officials having rejected this scenario.
Before the vote took place, President Vladimir Putin called on voters to vote in large numbers to send a message of support to soldiers on the front lines, affirming the solidarity of millions of people in the rear.
