Votes · 8 October 2026
The 2026 undemocratic elections to the Russian State Duma and its implications on civil society
This vote is about the 2026 Russian Duma elections, considered undemocratic, and their consequences for civil society.
Background
The elections to the Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, took place on 18–20 September 2026 with no free opposition or independent media, and even in the regions of Ukraine occupied by Russia. Five groups (EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew, Greens/EFA) tabled this resolution together.
- Finds the elections neither free nor fair and refuses to recognise the new Duma as Russia’s legitimate representative.
- Asks Member States to avoid official contact with it and to treat its acts concerning occupied Ukrainian territory as null and void.
- Calls for further sanctions on those responsible for repression (judges, prosecutors, officials) and rules out normalising relations with Moscow without a just peace for Ukraine.
Adopted: 482 for, 41 against, 39 abstentions, 157 did not vote.
Reference: RC-B10-0441/2026