Russia Elections Blasted As Orchestrated

[Nutmegger]

MOSCOW -- Russians voted Sunday in regional ballots marred by complaints that Kremlin opponents are increasingly being sidelined before national parliamentary elections in December and a vote to replace President Vladimir Putin next year.

The elections for legislative assemblies in 14 of Russia's 86 regions were held under new rules that critics say continue a retreat from democracy and restrict the ability of voters to voice discontent.

They provided a test for Just Russia, a new party that promotes itself as the opposition but supports Putin and is seen as a tool to channel public anger at the authorities away from ardent opponents while broadening the Kremlin's support base.

Exit polls showed the dominant Kremlin-controlled party, United Russia, retaining its strength in most regions, but suggested that Just Russia would gain a foothold and take nearly half the votes in one province.

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