MOSCOW, (APP/AFP): Russia’s ruling United Russia party on Sunday cruised to an easy victory in parliamentary polls that could pave the way for President Vladimir Putin to glide to a fourth term in 2018 elections, partial results showed.
The ballot for the 450-seat State Duma was smooth sailing for authorities desperate to avoid a repeat of mass protests last time round and eager to increase their dominance as Russia faces the longest economic crisis of Putin’s rule.
But indications of a low turnout suggested that many Russians may be turned off by a system in which the Kremlin wields near-total power, which could raise questions over legitimacy.
“We can announce already with certainty that the party secured a good
result, that it won,” Putin said after the vote.
“The situation is tough and difficult but the people still voted for United Russia,” he said on state television.
International News
Putin’s party dominates in Russia parliament vote
