Ruling Party in Russia Secures Majority in Parliament

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (L) visit the electoral staff of United Russia party after the parliamentary elections in Moscow, Russia, September 18, 2016. EPA/BGNES

United Russia party of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has gained a stable majority in Parliament's lower house after the general election held on Sunday, official results indicate.

The same four parties that made up the previous State Duma have also entered the current one.

With 90% of ballot protocols processed, the party wins 54.21% of the vote for the 450-seat Parliament.

Its result substantially differs from exit poll data announced on Sunday which had projected its support below 45%.

Second is the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF) with 13.53%, followed by the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (13.28%) and leftist A Just Russia (6.19%).

None of the other parties has passed the electoral threshold or secured a good enough result to receive state funding (above 3%). This includes liberal Yabloko party, whose support had been projected at more than 3% by exit polls.

Turnout was nearly 48%, according to state electoral authorities. In big cities such as Moscow and St Petersburg, activity was below 30%.

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