Russia election 2026: United Russia wins 57.83% of votes and is set to secure 355 of 450 State Duma seats, retaining its constitutional majority.

Introduction

Russia's ruling United Russia party has secured a decisive victory in the country's parliamentary election, winning 57.83% of the vote after more than 95% of ballots were counted, according to the Central Election Commission. The result is expected to give the party 355 seats in the 450-member State Duma and preserve its constitutional majority.

The election was the first parliamentary vote in Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. President Vladimir Putin had presented the election as an important test of support for his government and its wartime policies.

United Russia Vote Share Rises From 2021

According to preliminary results released by Russia's Central Election Commission, United Russia received 57.83% of the party-list vote after 95.18% of ballots had been counted.

The figure represents an increase from the 49.8% vote share recorded by United Russia in the 2021 State Duma election.

The party's performance in single-member constituencies also contributed significantly to its projected parliamentary strength. United Russia candidates were leading in 208 of the 225 single-member districts, according to the election commission.

United Russia Set to Hold 355 Seats

The preliminary results indicate that United Russia will control around 355 of the State Duma's 450 seats.

A constitutional majority in the Duma requires 301 seats, meaning the projected result would allow United Russia to retain its constitutional majority. The 355-seat tally would also exceed the party's previous record of 343 seats, achieved after the 2016 parliamentary election.

The election commission stressed that the figures were preliminary, with a small portion of votes still remaining to be counted.

Other Major Parties' Results

The Communist Party of the Russian Federation was in second place in the party-list vote with 13.81%, followed by the Liberal Democratic Party with 8.98% and New People with 7.96%, according to the Central Election Commission's preliminary figures.

The preliminary distribution reported by the election commission indicated:

• United Russia: 57.83%
• Communist Party: 13.81%
• Liberal Democratic Party: 8.98%
• New People: 7.96%
• A Just Russia: 4.96%

United Russia's dominance in single-member constituencies further increased its overall projected seat count in the 450-member chamber.

Election Held During Ukraine War

The parliamentary election was held against the backdrop of Russia's continuing war in Ukraine. It was the first State Duma election since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Putin had described the vote as a test of support for the country's leadership and its wartime direction. Reuters reported that the election took place within a tightly controlled political environment, with many candidates opposed to Moscow's war excluded from competing.

The Associated Press also reported that the election featured limited opposition participation, restrictions on dissent and voting in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine whose annexation by Russia is not internationally recognized.

Turnout and Election Environment

Russia's Central Election Commission reported voter turnout of more than 59% for the State Duma election. According to figures cited by Interfax, turnout reached 59.32%.

The election also took place amid heightened security concerns and reports of electronic voting problems and attacks. International and opposition critics have questioned aspects of the electoral process, while Russian authorities have continued to present the election results as reflecting voter participation and support for the government.

Key Highlights

• United Russia won 57.83% of the party-list vote, according to preliminary results.
• More than 95% of ballots had been counted when the figures were announced.
• The party received 49.8% in the 2021 State Duma election.
• United Russia is projected to hold 355 of 450 State Duma seats.
• A constitutional majority requires 301 seats.
• United Russia candidates were leading in 208 of 225 single-member districts.
• The Communist Party recorded 13.81% in the party-list vote.
• The LDPR received 8.98%, while New People received 7.96%.
• The election was the first State Duma vote since the full-scale Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022.
• The Central Election Commission described the figures as preliminary while counting continued.

Professional Disclaimer & Third-Party Reference

This article is based on publicly reported preliminary election data and information attributed to Russia's Central Election Commission, Reuters, Associated Press and other standard third-party news sources. Election figures may be subject to adjustment until the final official results are announced. Reports concerning the electoral environment and political participation reflect the assessments and statements of the respective sources and should not be treated as independent verification.

Conclusion

The preliminary 2026 Russian parliamentary election results show United Russia maintaining a dominant position in the State Duma, with 57.83% of the party-list vote and a projected 355 seats. The outcome preserves the party's constitutional majority and represents a higher vote share than its 2021 result. Final figures will depend on the completion and certification of the remaining ballots.