Russia is holding legislative elections on Friday amid the war with Ukraine / No opposition party has been approved to participate in the vote

Russia will organize, starting Friday, legislative elections held over three days, in a vote strictly controlled by the authorities and without any real opposition. The vote is taking place against the backdrop of the war with Ukraine, which has already entered its fifth year, and is presented by the Kremlin as a barometer of public opinion.

According to AFP, the vote is being closely monitored by the Russian leadership to assess the level of support enjoyed by the regime and its military policy. In the absence of genuine electoral competition, the result is considered largely predictable, but voter turnout and the scores obtained by Kremlin-backed candidates may send a political message.

Given that Moscow has banned criticism of the war, no real opposition parties will appear on the ballots, while Putin’s ruling party, “United Russia,” is assured of obtaining a majority of the seats in the State Duma.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech on Wednesday before the election, urging citizens to participate, arguing that voting represents a contribution to strengthening the country.