Russians are participating in a three-day parliamentary election that is expected to confirm the ruling United Russia party’s control in a political system that limits opposition to the war in Ukraine. The election’s outcome seems certain, but it may serve President Vladimir Putin’s interests for several reasons.
First, Putin may use the election results to claim support for the ongoing war, especially as public concern grows due to heightened Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory, which have caused some civilian casualties and fuel shortages. By framing the election as a measure of backing for his war strategy, he could suggest that a strong vote supports his military actions.
Second, Putin has heralded soldiers who fought in Ukraine as part of a new “elite,” offering them high-profile careers. With around 200 veterans campaigning across various parties, if they perform well in the elections, he can showcase their success as evidence of the government’s commitment to those who served, potentially encouraging more citizens to enlist.
Third, Putin contrasts the Russian electoral process with Ukraine’s situation. He claims Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is illegitimate due to his failure to call for new elections amid martial law. Putin may use this election to assert that Russia is adhering to its electoral schedule, providing citizens with a transparent voting process despite the war.
Additionally, Putin aims to present an image of normalcy in Russia despite the ongoing conflict. Conducting a smooth election across the vast country could help reassure citizens that life continues largely unaffected, even in the fifth year of the war.
Moreover, while Putin dismissed claims that Russia would mobilize its army after the elections, critics fear he might exploit the results to justify expanding military recruitment due to heavy losses in Ukraine. They also worry about possible new repressive measures, especially against those using VPNs to bypass censorship, following the elections when the pre-election atmosphere no longer requires a facade of normalcy.
with information from Reuters
