Russian authorities reported attacks on voting systems and communication networks on Saturday, as the three-day parliamentary election entered its second day. Moscow has described the poll as a test of public support for the war in Ukraine.
The State Duma election is the first since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The ruling United Russia party is widely expected to retain its dominance in the country’s tightly controlled political system.
Most anti-war candidates were barred from contesting the election before voting began across Russia’s 11 time zones. The Supreme Court ruled last month that the liberal Yabloko party, which supports a ceasefire in Ukraine, had violated electoral rules, a decision the party rejected.
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Some Yabloko candidates are still contesting single-member constituencies, which account for half of the 450 seats in the lower house. The party has traditionally secured single-digit support.
Authorities said Moscow’s online voting system came under attack overnight but remained operational. Central Election Commission Chairwoman Ella Pamfilova, cited by state media, said the attacks were being successfully repelled.
Russia’s Digital Ministry also reported an attempted sabotage of communication lines in the Far East, saying the attack had been thwarted and communications restored.
President Vladimir Putin earlier accused Ukraine of attempting to interfere with the election but provided no evidence.
Central Election Commission data cited by state media put nationwide turnout at 32.58% by 1400 local time on Saturday (1100 GMT).
The election has also triggered a diplomatic dispute with Moldova over voting in the separatist pro-Russian region of Transdniestria.
Chisinau has objected to Moscow’s plan to open 15 polling stations for Russian citizens there. Moscow says the estimated 220,000 residents of the region hold Russian passports and are entitled to vote.
Transdniestria broke away from Moldova in 1990 as the Soviet Union was collapsing.
