Russia Excludes Anti-War Yabloko From 450-Seat Duma Vote as 10 Parties Compete
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Sep 17
Russia Excludes Anti-War Yabloko From 450-Seat Duma Vote as 10 Parties Compete
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Sep 17
Summary
A judge barred Yabloko from Russia’s parliamentary election after complaints alleging copyright infringement, extremism and overseas funding, removing the only major party openly calling for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.
The exclusion leaves 10 parties contesting 450 Duma seats this weekend, with United Russia expected to keep its majority while using the vote to project public backing for the war.
Yabloko’s critics say the party was blocked because it could have cleared the 5% threshold with a campaign centered on peace talks, lifting wartime restrictions and ending repression.
The election is unfolding under wartime strain at home: Ukraine launched more than 350 drones toward Moscow as voting began, while fuel shortages and internet blackouts have added to public unease.
Even so, opposition figures abroad are urging tactical voting against United Russia, and some Yabloko members can still run in single-mandate districts despite the party-list ban.