Regional and local elections in many regions of Russia and four occupied Ukrainian territories ended today. Governors, regional parliaments, city and town councils, and mayors were appointed.
However, given the virtual lack of true opposition candidates, surprises would hardly be expected. The first results are expected overnight.
Elections in annexed territories doomed
The Kiev government and Western allies condemned in advance the “elections” in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson as illegitimate.
Moscow wants to underline its claim to power in the eastern and southern areas of Ukraine. Russia declared the regions annexed after “referendums” in September 2022, but only militarily controls parts of the regions.
No real opposition
Regional and local elections were seen as a test run for next year’s presidential elections. Vladimir Putin, who has been at the helm of Russia since 2000, wants his government to be extended at least until 2030.
However, opposition parties that represent a real alternative to Putin’s government did not run in the elections. Prominent opponents of the government are now imprisoned or in exile.