Polls Are Open Today In Russia’s Three-Day Parliamentary Election

 

The Guardian: Russians head to the polls amid anger over economy and Covid 

Ruling United Russia party polling at near-historic lows but likely to find a way to keep control of State Duma 

Russians will head to the polls beginning on Friday for parliamentary elections that could serve as a platform for popular anger over the economy, a crackdown on dissent and the government response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

But the ruling party, United Russia, is likely to find a way to maintain a stranglehold on its control of the State Duma. 

While stifling political opposition and independent media, the Kremlin is trying to solve a simple maths problem: how can it prop up the numbers of United Russia, which is polling at near-historic lows, without provoking the kind of protests that broke out over widespread incidents of crude voter fraud in 2011.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Here are my predictions. 

Turnout is going to be low. Cries of ballot fixing and stuffing will be rampant. The outer regions are going to vote almost 100% in support of United Russia (Putin's party). United Russia will gain a majority of seats. With the exception of the Kremlin, no one is going to be happy with the results. 

More News On Russia's Parliamentary Elections  

Russia votes in parliament election without main opposition -- AP  

Russia goes to the polls amid crackdown on political dissent -- CNN  

Polls open in Russia’s three-day parliamentary election -- Al Jazeera 

Russian elections: Communists set sights on major gains, but Western pundits are already dusting off their ‘rigged vote’ rhetoric -- RT  

Putin casts ballot in Russia's parliamentary elections online — Kremlin spokesman -- TASS

Russian election: Opposition smart app removed as vote begins -- BBC  

In Russia’s Parliamentary Vote, Spoiler Parties and Dirty Tricks Abound -- Felix Light, Moscow Times