Analysis shows 2026 Russian Duma vote marred by unprecedented statistical anomalies

Although the Central Election Commission still lacks returns from the Leningrad region and occupied areas, the published results from roughly 85% of precincts indicate that the 2026 State Duma election is the dirtiest parliamentary vote of the Putin era. Statistical charts reveal a dense “comet tail” of precincts with high turnout and high United Russia vote share, alongside a shrinking core that mirrors the 2021 distribution.

Notably, spikes at round numbers have nearly doubled, suggesting deliberate manipulation of precinct returns. Regional patterns differ: Moscow’s paper-ballot precincts cluster in a vertical column with low turnout, while St. Petersburg precincts show both turnout and United Russia support roughly doubling. Analysts stress that such anomalies are strong indicators of falsification, even if courts would require witness testimony to confirm them.