“Before starting today’s meeting, I would like to say a few words about recent domestic political events—specifically, the State Duma elections. I want to thank the citizens of Russia for their active participation in this election campaign,” Putin said during a meeting with government officials.

According to the head of state, the record voter turnout shows that society as a whole supports the authorities’ efforts to consolidate the nation.

From September 18 to 20, Russia held parliamentary elections to fully renew the State Duma, which consists of 450 deputies who will serve five-year terms.

Voter turnout for the legislative elections exceeded 59 percent. Preliminary data indicates the State Duma will be composed of the ruling United Russia party (57.48 percent of the vote), the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (14.03 percent), the Liberal Democratic Party (8.75 percent), New People (8.01 percent), and A Just Russia (5.01 percent).

In total, more than 2,200 election campaigns at various levels were held to fill approximately 20,700 seats for deputies and other elected positions.

Putin had previously described the recent elections as the most important event in the country’s domestic politics.

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