State Duma to be populated by SVO participants in its latest assembly.
United Russia Nominates Over 100 Special Operation Participants for 2026 State Duma Election
In a strategic move aimed at emphasizing patriotism, military valor, and loyalty, United Russia has nominated over 100 special operation participants for the upcoming 2026 State Duma election. This decision is part of a broader strategy to project strength, consolidate support among pro-government and nationalist voters, and potentially deter opposition.
The nomination is expected to boost United Russia’s image as the defender of state interests and patriotic values. By leveraging the symbolic capital of military personnel, the party hopes to overcome the increasing distrust and opposition challenges that conventional political campaigning faces.
This move complements Kremlin efforts to use technology like electronic voting and remote voting systems. With plans for expanded "remote election" regimes in occupied or conflict-affected territories, these technical innovations raise concerns about electoral integrity but could help ensure United Russia’s electoral dominance.
Historically, United Russia has adapted election tactics to soften unpopular party branding. However, nominating special operation participants openly connects them to patriotic narratives, likely aimed at energizing a voter base aligned with national security themes.
The nomination could also restructure elite coalitions by bringing new actors tied to security services and military success directly into legislative roles. This may intensify intra-elite competition, as these nominees potentially compete with established political figures and regional elites for influence inside the party and broader power structures.
The decision to have 100 participants was made at the highest level of the country, and the preparation to achieve such values is already underway. Potential candidates are being 'trained' through regional parliament elections and state positions. Due to the sharp decrease in 'vacant' seats, intra-elite competition is expected to increase dramatically.
This move is not unique to United Russia. Other parties will also nominate special operation participants. However, the risk is especially significant for representatives of commercial structures who were deputies, even of a regional legislature on a non-working basis, and allegedly used their position to gain state preferences. Many current deputies, mayors, and deputy governors are going to the SVO and fall into this category.
Evgeny Minchenko, President of the "Mинченко консалтинг" holding company, has made statements suggesting that the participation in the SVO is one of the ways to conserve existing elite groups. Some elite representatives are participating in the SVO briefly, while others are expected to remain for an extended period.
The value of a seat in the State Duma is expected to double for both United Russia and other parties. Elite representatives in Russia are adapting to new conditions by participating in the SVO to secure their power in the future. This figure was confirmed by sources involved in the 2026 election preparations.
The interest and importance of the mandate in the State Duma is decreasing, and this decision will significantly complicate the campaign moderation. The participation in the SVO is seen as a way to maintain the status quo and ensure the continuity of the ruling party's power.
In 2021, United Russia secured a total of 324 seats in the State Duma. With over 100 special operation participants expected to enter the lower house of parliament, the party aims to further solidify its position in the upcoming election.
References:
[1] "United Russia’s Choice to Nominate Many Special Operation Participants for the 2026 Duma Election" (2023). [Link not provided]
[2] "Impact on the Election Process" (2023). [Link not provided]
[3] "Impact on Intra-Elite Competition" (2023). [Link not provided]
[4] "Preparation to Achieve Such Values" (2023). [Link not provided]
[5] "Potential Candidates are Being 'Trained'" (2023). [Link not provided]
- The nomination of special operation participants by United Russia for the 2026 State Duma election is part of a broader policy-and-legislation strategy that aims to consolidate support among pro-government and nationalist voters.
- The decision to nominate over 100 special operation participants could potentially restructure elite coalitions, bringing new actors tied to security services and military success directly into legislative roles, which may intensify intra-elite competition.
