Versus: Putin vs Legislative Elections — The Outcome Nobody Predicted
On September 17, 2024, Russia held its State Duma elections, with the ruling United Russia party securing 68% of seats. The result, while expected, offers Putin a platform to reinforce his narrative of stability. The election took place under the watchful eye of the Central Election Commission, which declared the process "transparent and fair". The turnout, 68.4%, reflected a continued engagement with the electoral process, albeit within a tightly controlled environment.
What Happened: The 2024 State Duma Election
On September 17, 2024, the Russian Federation held its State Duma elections across 85 electoral districts. The ruling United Russia party won 68% of the 450 seats, a margin that matches the 2019 result. Voter turnout was 68.4%, with the city of St. Petersburg reporting a 72% participation rate, the highest among major cities. Opposition parties such as the Communist Party and Liberal Democratic Party each secured 10% of the seats. The election
Despite the election’s tightly controlled environment, the city of Yekaterinburg recorded a higher proportion of spoiled ballots (7.2%) than any other major Russian city, suggesting localized voter dissent.
