Russia: Setback For Putin In Parliamentary Elections

Russia: Putin's Party Barely Hangs onto Its Majority -- Time/AP

(MOSCOW) — Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's party saw its majority in Russia's parliament weaken sharply, according to preliminary election results released Monday, a humiliating setback for the man who has steadily tightened his grip on the nation for nearly 12 years.

Some opposition politicians and election monitors said even a result of around 50 percent for Putin's United Russia party was inflated because of vote fraud. Their claims were backed by international observers, who pointed to procedural violations and serious indications of ballot stuffing after a campaign slanted in favor of United Russia.

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More News On Russia's Parliamentary Elections

Putin's party clings to reduced majority in Russia -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Putin's party barely hangs onto its majority -- Yahoo News/AP
Putin's majority slashed to 13 seats -- Sydney Morning Herald
Russian communists win support as Putin party fades -- Reuters
Putin's Hold on Parliament Weakens as Communists Advance -- SFGate/Bloomberg
United Russia loses parliamentary clout -- UPI
Russian Ruling Party Weakened as Voters Choose New Parliament -- Voice of America
Majority for Putin’s Party Narrows in Rebuke From Voters -- New York Times
New parliament will be ‘lively’ - Medvedev -- RIA Novosti
Putin’s party maintains majority, but election marred by allegations of vote manipulation -- National Post
Western Monitors Criticize Russian Elections -- New York Times
Russian Vote Criticized -- Wall Street Journal
Russian Parties Had Uneven Playing Field in Vote, OSCE Says -- Bloomberg Businessweek
International Observers Allege 'Lack Of Level Playing Field' In Russian Polls -- RTT News
Cyber attack on Russian websites -- The Guardian
News Analysis: United Russia passes test of Duma election -- Xinhuanet

My Comment: Any political party that gets 50% in a parliamentary vote should call it a success. Unfortunately (for Putin) .... with rumors of fraud being the rule rather the exception in a number of these races .... Putin's legitimacy has taken a hit.