A war-fatigued and anxious Russia picks a new parliament

A war-weary Russia is set to choose a new parliament, with anxiety and war fatigue permeating the population. According to state pollster FOM, nearly half of those surveyed reported feeling alarmed. Independent pollster ExtremeScan found that 60% of Russians believe the war against Ukraine has negatively impacted their daily lives.

Soaring prices, internet restrictions, fuel shortages due to Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries, and rumors of another mobilization have intensified the sense of uncertainty. Some Russians are even contemplating emigration, fearing they may be conscripted after the election. This is the first parliamentary election in Russia during the Ukraine war, and while the official results are expected to be predictable, the Kremlin will closely monitor voter turnout.

Although elections in authoritarian systems like Russia's do not lead to democratic change, they provide crucial insight into the population's loyalty to President Vladimir Putin and his war policy. United Russia, led by Putin, is campaigning on a platform prioritizing a war victory, with candidates portrayed as war veterans. However, the majority of Russians reportedly desire the war's end.

A Levada Center poll found that six in ten Russians favor peace negotiations with Ukraine. The liberal opposition party Yabloko, the only registered force opposing the war, has seen a surge in popularity, with 18% of Russians reportedly intending to vote for it. Yet, Yabloko was recently barred from participating in the elections.

In response, opposition figures Yulia Navalnaya and Maxim Katz urge supporters to vote for any party but United Russia, aiming to diminish the ruling party's electoral performance. Yabloko has encouraged voters to spoil their ballots instead. Regardless of the choice, showing up at polling stations is crucial to express public discontent with the ongoing conflict.