Pro-Kremlin parties dominate in a fake Russian Democracy

Pro-Kremlin parties, including United Russia (a party that supports President Vladimir Putin), have won Russian regional elections, preliminary results showed yesterday, after a campaign that left Russia's weak opposition more marginalised than ever.

Pundits had predicted that government parties, buoyed by a strong economy, Kremlin-controlled media, generous funding and Mr Putin's popularity, would sweep the vote.

Critics of the Kremlin say the opposition, in retreat since Mr Putin's first presidential win in 2000, never had a real chance.

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