Pro-Kremlin party looks set to retain majority in parliament
ABC News
Russia’s dominant Kremlin-backed party appears set to retain the two-thirds majority in the parliament that allows it to change the constitution, according to preliminary results on Monday morning
MOSCOW -- Russia's dominant Kremlin-backed party appeared set to retain the two-thirds majority in the parliament that allows it to change the constitution, results from 85% of the country's polling stations showed on Monday morning.
The election is widely seen as an important part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to cement his grip on power ahead of the 2024 presidential election, in which control of the State Duma, or parliament, will be key.
Results from about 85% of the country’s polling stations gave the ruling United Russia party 49.7% of the vote for the 225 seats apportioned by party lists, according to the Central Election Commission. Another 225 lawmakers will be chosen by individual races, and the results on Monday morning showed United Russia candidates leading in 195 of those single-constituency districts.
Top United Russia official Andrei Turchak suggested Monday that the party will get 315 out of the 450 seats.
