Russia’s ruling United Russia party has taken an early lead in the country’s parliamentary elections, according to preliminary figures released by the Central Election Commission.

Initial results show the party securing 57.5% of the vote, with overall voter turnout recorded at 56.66%. Final results are expected by September 25. In the previous election, United Russia won 324 seats, cementing its dominance in the State Duma.

The election unfolded against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which saw a major overnight drone attack launched by Kyiv. Russian officials reported that more than 1,900 drones targeted multiple sites, killing at least two people and damaging an oil refinery.

Observers note that the combination of military tensions and domestic politics has heightened the stakes of this election, with United Russia’s performance seen as a measure of public support amid the crisis.

While early results indicate a strong showing for the ruling party, the final seat distribution will be confirmed once all ballots are counted.