The expected win by the ruling United Russia party will be used by the Kremlin as proof of support for President Vladimir Putin despite malaise over years of faltering living standards. United Russia holds nearly three quarters of the State Duma's 450 seats. Both it and United Russia deny any role in the registration process for candidates. He said he welcomed the Navalny campaign and criticised United Russia. Other voters voiced anger at United Russia at a polling station in the capital of more than 12.5 million where United Russia has fared worse in recent years than in some regions.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 19, 2021 05:12 UTC