Analysts expect there to be little transparency when it comes to electoral standards given increasingly limited press freedom and efforts to suppress and neutralize political opposition in Russia — most notably, the imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny and his supporters.

Van Houtte stated that a significant crackdown against real and apparent opponents has intensified ahead of the parliamentary elections, “and will likely continue after.”

Russia has continued to dismantle the opposition and supporters of Navalny, despite having imprisoned him earlier in the year.

Three associations that were linked to Navalny’s political activities were declared illegal and labeled as “extremist”. This means any members or supporters can go to prison and cannot run for office.

Tursa explained that “considering the minimal presence of international observators and a broad crackdown on opposition, independent press and civic organisations during the past year”, the next election would be the most transparent and competitive in President Vladimir Putin’s 20+ years of rule.” Tursa also stated that United Russia still had the potential to win an absolute majority of seats, as well as a constitutional majority at the lower chamber, despite recent popularity declines.

Russia analysts say the election has the appearance of a democratic vote but that, in reality, it is closely controlled by the state and other parties on the ballot paper are token opposition parties approved by the Kremlin.

Tursa pointed out that “so-called systemic parties” currently exist in the State Duma. He cited the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia. Also, Just Russia-For Truth, as well as the new New People party, which targets urban voters who are dissatisfied. He stated that the parties are not “genuine opposition”.

Tursa stated that the Duma would continue to support the Kremlin as a result.

Tursa explained that there were three main goals for the Kremlin. The first is to “reaffirm United Russia’s undisputed power over the State Duma through maintaining a constitutional minority, which has symbolic and practical significance before the 2024 presidential elections.”

Secondly, the Kremlin wants “to maintain legitimacy among political elites and the wider electorate by ensuring good turnout, a credible outcome of the vote, and limited reports of any electoral irregularities”

And thirdly, it wants to avoid widespread protests such as those seen after the 2011 legislative election or in neighboring Belarus last year, Tursa said.

Tursa stated that major changes to the cabinet’s or government’s policy directions are unlikely because the program of the ruling party continues key areas like the well-being and development of Russia’s infrastructures, as well as protecting the country’s foreign interests.

Capital Economics’ emerging markets economist Liam Peach agreed that United Russia would retain its majority. However, he noted that the country’s “political background is fragile” which could lead to more government intervention in the economy.

Over the past five year, public support has fallen sharply for United Russia and President Putin is at a near-record low. In a Wednesday note, he suggested that the stagnation of real incomes in 2013 might have contributed to this.

“A key implication of this tension is that the government has taken an increasingly interventionist approach in the economy in an effort to support households. Social welfare provision has been a major priority of the government. Before September’s election, cash payments were made to children and families as well as military personnel.

Peach said his team believed the emphasis on social support will become permanent in Russia.

Peach said that the shift toward higher social spending was rooted in the pre-pandemic period and was present alongside the plans of President Putin to amend Russia’s constitution. The crisis has passed, and the economy is recovering from the oil price rebound. It seems like the government now wants to revive these plans and push for higher living standards.