Mon Sep 09 15:55:16 UTC 2024: ## Hundreds of Russian War Veterans Win Seats in Local and Regional Elections
**Moscow, September 9, 2024** – Over 300 Russian soldiers who fought in the ongoing war in Ukraine have secured political positions in local and regional elections across Russia, according to state media reports.
The victorious candidates, primarily representing the ruling United Russia party, participated in elections held over the weekend. 380 war veterans in total ran for office, with a significant number winning seats in regional parliaments, city-level assemblies, and municipal offices.
The move is seen as an effort by the Kremlin to increase support for the war and reward soldiers for their service. While the majority of veterans ran under the United Russia banner, some also competed under other parties including the Communist Party, the Liberal Democratic Party, and A Just Russia.
The elections, held in 81 regions, were largely seen as a victory for the ruling party and its allies, despite reports of numerous election violations. The independent election watchdog Golos received over 600 reports of irregularities, primarily from Moscow.
The increased presence of war veterans in Russian politics signals a growing emphasis on the conflict within the country’s political landscape.
First Piper 