Russia's Election Commission validates ruling party's victory

By Ali Cura

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia's ruling party United Russia, which supports President Vladimir Putin, secured 324 seats in last week's parliamentary elections, the country’s election commission confirmed on Friday.

In a press briefing, Ella Pamfilova, head of the Central Electoral Commission, announced validated results of the State Duma elections held on Sept. 17-19.

The "elections fairly reflect the outcome of the vote," she said, adding that the election turnout was 51.74%, as over 56.4 million people cast their votes.

Pamfilova said a total of eight political parties along with five independent deputies entered the parliament; the United Russia secured 324 seats of the total 450, Communist Party 57, A Just Russia 27, Liberal Democrat Party 21 and New People 13.

The ruling party won 343 seats in the 2016 elections.

​​​​​​​