Russia - September 2026
United Russia retains constitutional majority in Duma elections
From 18 to 20 September, Russia held elections for the 450-seat State Duma, the lower house of parliament. According to official results announced by the Central Election Commission, turnout reached 59.8 per cent, up from 51.7 per cent in the previous election, and the ruling United Russia party won 349 of 450 seats, maintaining a constitutional majority in the legislature. Voting was conducted over three days and also took place in Russian-occupied Ukraine. The elections occurred in a political environment marked by the exclusion of Yabloko, the only registered party to oppose the war in Ukraine, from the national party-list ballot. Independent analysts, election observers and human rights organizations reported restrictions on political competition, pressure on candidates and observers, and the absence of recognized international election observation. Data on the gender balance of the incoming parliament was not available as of October 2026.
Sources: European Council, OVD Info, Kyiv Independent, European Parliament Research Service
