President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party looks set for another big win in the country's parliamentary elections, despite a drop in support.
The party claimed victory a few hours after the polls closed on Sunday evening.
Putin's most vocal critics were barred from running in the election, and candidates who were allowed to stand were heavily vetted.
There have been numerous allegations of ballot stuffing and forced voting.
But Russia's electoral commission rejected claims of widespread irregularities.
Initial results showed that with 80% of votes counted, United Russia had won nearly 50%, followed by the Communist Party with about 20%.
A senior United Russia official, Andrei Turchak, said his party would win more than 300 of the 450 seats in the State Duma.
The partial results show that despite Mr Putin's party easily retaining its majority in parliament, it did lose some ground. In 2016, the party won 54% of the vote.
The Communists, who broadly support Putin's initiatives in the parliament, saw their support grow by 8%. But their leader, Gennady Zyuganov, has alleged widespread violations, including ballot-stuffing, according to the Associated Press news agency.
Concerns over living standards and allegations of corruption from jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny have likely affected support for Mr Putin's party.
But he remains popular with many Russians who credit him with standing up to the West and restoring national pride.
Latest Stories
-
Price of LPG per kilogramme constitutes 22% of taxes – LPG Marketers Association
37 mins -
Nigeria appoint Finidi George as new Super Eagles boss
1 hour -
Elevating Ghana’s creative industry: A blueprint for competing with Nigeria and South Africa
2 hours -
Poor finishing a problem for Asante Kotoko throughout the season – Prosper Ogum
3 hours -
Samini teams up with Francis Osei for ‘Sticks N Locks’ EP
3 hours -
Government should resource record labels – Seven Xavier
3 hours -
I need majority in parliament to successfully complete my term – Akufo-Addo pleads
3 hours -
Next NDC government will not recognise illegal contracts signed by current administration – Sammy Gyamfi
3 hours -
Premier League clubs vote in favour of spending cap plans
4 hours -
Nigeria’s fuel crisis brings businesses to a halt
4 hours -
King Promise impresses fans at sold out show in Singapore
4 hours -
Ejisu by-election to proceed after plaintiff withdraws injunction application
4 hours -
CSOs and NGOs unite to push for priority demands at INC-4
4 hours -
Fuel tanker bursts into flames on Kumasi-Accra highway
4 hours -
Security is tightened ahead of Ejisu by -election
4 hours