The main Kremlin party keeps control of Russian parliament after a carefully orchestrated vote

Following a tightly controlled three-day vote that excluded most opposition candidates and parties critical of the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party secured a record victory and retained its majority in the Russian parliament. Election officials announced the preliminary results on Monday, noting that the balloting maintains Putin's tight grip on power.

Among the new members of parliament are 49 deputies who participated in the war against Ukraine. Officials and analysts indicate this landslide outcome is likely to be utilized as evidence of domestic support for the ongoing military conflict.