Story perspectives

Exit Polls Show United Russia Winning 53.5%

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 2:38 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

United Russia Leads Election

United Russia leads the State Duma election with 53.5% support according to exit polls.
Governors top United Russia candidate lists in 55 of 57 regional rosters, up from 19 in 2016.
Analysts describe administrative-turnout tactics that pressure employees, military and businesses to vote for United Russia.
Yabloko candidate Akhmed Abazov withdrew in Karachay–Cherkessia after threats against his family.
Election observers were denied access to polling stations and some were detained.

Summary

Feminist Activists Petition

Feminist activists in Vologda region petitioned to remove United Russia candidate Natalia Moskvitina from the party list.
A Yabloko woman observer attended a St. Petersburg polling station despite risk of reprisal.
The “Noon for Peaceful Russia” campaign urges voters to line up at 12:00 p.m. on Sept. 20 for protest photos.
Exiled opposition figures Yulia Navalnaya and Maxim Katz called for voting for any party except United Russia.

History

Historical Context

In the 19 December 1999 State Duma election, the pro-government Unity party—endorsed by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin—won 23 % of seats, finishing second to the Communists and giving President Boris Yeltsin a supportive parliament. Putin’s rapid rise after his August 1999 appointment and the Unity victory set the foundation for the party-centered rule that continues today.

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United Russia Leads Election

United Russia leads the State Duma election with 53.5% support according to exit polls.
Governors top United Russia candidate lists in 55 of 57 regional rosters, up from 19 in 2016.
Analysts describe administrative-turnout tactics that pressure employees, military and businesses to vote for United Russia.
Yabloko candidate Akhmed Abazov withdrew in Karachay–Cherkessia after threats against his family.
Election observers were denied access to polling stations and some were detained.

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