Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented the upcoming parliamentary elections in Russia as a barometer of the population’s support for the war in Ukraine and has called on Russians to vote. The scrutiny begins on Friday and lasts for three days, for the election of the 450 members of the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian Parliament.
This is the first parliamentary election organized in Russia since the large-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The elections are taking place at a time when the war continues to strongly influence politics in Moscow, and Russian authorities present voting participation as a demonstration of national unity.
In a televised speech addressed to the nation ahead of the elections, Vladimir Putin referred to what the Kremlin calls the “special military operation” and to the Ukrainian territories under Russia’s control.
“Your choice and will once again demonstrate that millions of people support our soldiers, that we are a united people, bound by common values, historical memory, and love for our homeland, and that no one will succeed in dividing or intimidating us, or undermining our sovereignty and socio-political system”, Putin declared, according to Reuters.
The Russian President also stated that the vote will represent a collective response to those trying to weaken Russia.
“The vote will be a collective response to those who are trying to weaken our country, hinder its development, and deprive us of sovereignty and the right to decide our own future”, conveyed the Russian leader.
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