The system of power in Russia is often referred to as "managed democracy" (where the Kremlin does the managing). That means huge powers for the president and few political surprises. This weekend's election is set to deliver another parliament dominated by the party of power, United Russia, and a house of MPs fiercely loyal to Vladimir Putin.
Critics dismiss the vote as neither free nor fair. But the Kremlin doesn't care what the critics say. "We have our own political system, our own political process," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained recently.
That means no curveballs for the Kremlin. For the Kremlin, the election of 450 deputies to the lower house of parliament, the Duma, is important. This is the first parliamentary election here since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Kremlin will use it to claim that most Russians back the president and the war, as well as to promote the political careers of soldiers back from Ukraine: officials say nearly two hundred war veterans are taking part in the election. As for the election campaign, that has provided a window on Russian society four-and-a-half years into the war. But there have been some.
"Good evening and welcome to tonight's campaign speeches by candidates for Duma Electoral District 158," said the anchor on state TV. The studio director cut to a wide shot revealing six empty lecterns. "The candidates haven't turned up," admitted the host.
"So, it's goodbye from me." In another TV debate (where the politicians were present) one crooning candidate sang his pitch: "We're with the people, don't you know?" Yet a musical manifesto is strangely appropriate. In the previous Duma, everyone seemed to be singing from the same hymn sheet. At the final session of parliament in July, MPs stood and applauded as the speaker of the house chanted repeatedly: "Russia, Putin, Victory!
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