Russia’s parliamentary election is expected to produce few surprises, with United Russia and other Kremlin-aligned parties retaining control of the Duma. Although critics regard the vote as neither free nor fair, the Kremlin considers it important because it can present the result as evidence of public support for Vladimir Putin, the war in Ukraine and the country’s political system.

The election is the first since Russia’s full-scale invasion, and nearly 200 war veterans are reportedly standing as candidates. Parties in the previous Duma unanimously backed 170 laws supporting the war, while anti-war party Yabloko was removed from the party-list ballot and several of its candidates have faced detention, prosecution or exclusion, suggesting the authorities are restricting dissent.