Russia holds first wartime parliamentary election as Putin urges unity

Russia is set to hold its first parliamentary election since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, with voting scheduled from September 18 to 20, 2026. President Vladimir Putin has urged citizens to participate, framing the vote as a demonstration of national unity and support for the war effort. In a televised address on Wednesday, Putin stated that voter turnout would serve as a barometer of public backing for the military campaign. He said the election would show that millions stand behind Russian soldiers and that the country remains united against external pressure. The vote will determine the composition of the 450-seat State Duma, the lower house of parliament, for the next five years. The ruling United Russia party, which supports Putin and the war, is widely expected to retain its dominance. A state pollster survey from late August showed United Russia leading with 37% support, followed by the Communist Party at 11.6%. The party currently holds 310 seats and needs at least 300 to maintain its supermajority for passing constitutional changes. The election is tightly controlled, with no genuine opposition on the ballot.