On May 17, 2024, the Central Election Commission announced that United Russia had captured 57.83% of the popular vote, translating into 355 seats out of 450 in the State Duma. With 95% of ballots tallied by 10 p.m., the result eclipses the party's 49.8% share in the 2021 election.
The election, branded by President Vladimir Putin as a referendum on his military campaign in Ukraine, was held amid ongoing sanctions and domestic protests. Putin told a televised address that the mandate would reinforce his commitment to 'protect Russian interests'.
Opposition figures, including Alexei Navalny's allies, criticized the vote for lacking transparency, citing irregularities in polling stations across the country. In the rural district of Kursk, a 52‑year‑old farmer named Ivan Petrov said the local turnout felt forced, echoing his doubts about the government's narrative. Foreign diplomats in Moscow, however, noted that the turnout—just over 66%—was lower than in 2021, hinting at voter fatigue.
With a robust majority, United Russia is set to convene the new Duma session in early June to debate the 2025 federal budget and potential legislative measures to sustain the war effort. Analysts predict the parliament will push through amendments to extend conscription and tighten censorship laws.