Russian Parliamentary Elections Amidst the Ukraine War

The Russian parliamentary elections will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17, 2023, and this is the first parliamentary election since the start of the war with Ukraine in early 2022. In this election, 10 parties are competing for 450 seats in the Duma, the Russian parliament. The ruling party, "United Russia," led by Vladimir Putin, is expected to maintain its decisive majority.

Election Competitions and Environmental Concerns

One hopeful candidate, Damir Gorin, a representative of the Green Party in the Eastern Federal District of Russia, where Siberian forests reach the Pacific Ocean, says about his plans: "My goal is to bring this harsh land and its people appropriate environmental and institutional representation. We are not only addressing nature's problems but also protecting human habitats."

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However, environmental concerns may be overshadowed by other issues. Advertisements aired on state television reference Russia's historical heroes and conclude with the slogan, "Their voice is the voice of victory. Your vote is the power of Russia!" Vladimir Putin stated in a public speech: "This extensive election campaign is taking place while we continue our special military operation."

The State of War and Its Impact on People

The elections are being held under conditions where the war in Ukraine increasingly affects people's daily lives. On Friday morning, Ukraine launched over 350 drones towards Moscow. Kyiv's attacks on Russian oil infrastructure have led to fuel shortages, and authorities have cut off the internet in the name of national security.

Alexei, a citizen of St. Petersburg, said: "If there is fuel at the gas station, people immediately line up." He also noted that his mother lives near an explosives factory and regularly witnesses explosions. "The loud sound of explosions shakes the roof, and sometimes she has to hide with her dog in the bathroom."

According to an independent Levada poll, more than half of Russians support negotiating for peace, but nearly 70 percent also back military actions in Ukraine. Catherine, a psychiatrist from St. Petersburg, said: "People in my village have become extremely radical and militaristic, and the human rights situation has deteriorated significantly."

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