Still, it was United Russia’s lowest result in 15 years – and came in an election with turnout of less than 40% of eligible voters. Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Prime Minister and Chairman of the United Russia political party Dmitry Medvedev before visiting the party's campaign headquarters in Moscow on Sept. 18, 2016. Still, United Russia appeals to many people because of its omnipresence on Kremlin-controlled television, and the lack of a genuine choice. Despite United Russia’s fading approval ratings, supporters insist the continued tensions with the West will ensure Putin’s reelection in the 2018 presidential vote. For instance, there were reports that 3 liters of beer were offered for each United Russia vote in the city of Novosibirsk.

Source: Los Angeles Times September 19, 2016 00:03 UTC