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This R&D provides resources on Russia’s parliamentary elections.  The recent elections saw President Vladimir Putin’s party, United Russia, increase its number of seats, thereby controlling nearly three-quarters of the Russian Duma.  This will allow United Russia to change the constitution if they wish to do so.  Critics argued that the elections were not fairly conducted and that the campaign was “dull.”  Voter turnout seemed to justify the latter statement as less than 50% of Russians cast ballots.