Reported voting violations mar Russia's parliamentary ballot
ABC News
Polls in Russia’s Far Eastern and Siberian regions have closed on the third and final day of a nationwide vote for a new parliament
MOSCOW -- From the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean, Russians across eleven time zones voted Sunday on the third and final day of a national election for a new parliament, a ballot in which the pro-Kremlin ruling party is largely expected to retain its majority after months of relentless crackdown on the opposition.
The vote so far has been marked by numerous reports of violations, including ballot-stuffing, inadequate security and pressure on election monitors.
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.
The vote this year has seen most opposition politicians and activists barred from running as Russian authorities unleashed a massive effort to suppress protests and dissent.
