Moscow (AsiaNews) - The "United Russia" party, supported by President Vladimir Putin has already won a large majority in parliamentary elections held yesterday, although the results are still partial.
The results were almost a foregone conclusion. With 90% of votes counted, the party has already secured 54.3% of the vote, corresponding to 338 seats in a parliament of 450.
In second place, but at a large distance are two pro-government parties: the Communists and the Liberal ultranationalist Democratic Party with 14-15%.
Polls had predicted only 44-48% for United Russia. For two of the opposition parties, Yabloko and Parnas, the projections are for 3.5 and 1.2%. They are not likely to exceed the 5% threshold necessary to be represented.
Turnout was about 40% lower in these elections than those of 2011, a sign of growing apathy among Russians.
Some irregularities were registered especially in the Siberian region, but the end result should not change much: the party led by Prime Minister Dimitri Medvedev, guarantees more time in government for Vladimir Putin, as president or prime minister, who has dominated Russian politics for 17 years.
Putin's party wins hands down in Duma vote
With 90% of the ballots counted, United Russia already has 54.3% of the votes, 338 seats out of 450. The opposition parties are unlikely to reach the 5% threshold.
