π³οΈ Putin tightens grip on Russian election scene
Russia's first parliamentary election since the Ukraine invasion has seen a drastically narrowed political field. The country's only openly anti-war party, Yabloko, was barred from the national list by the Supreme Court in August. The three-day vote determines all 450 State Duma seats, with pro-Kremlin parties dominating the ballot. This move solidifies Putin's narrative of national unity supporting the war effort. Some opposition figures are now opting for a 'smart voting' strategy to challenge the ruling parties. π³οΈ