Early results in Russia show pro-Kremlin party leads

By JIM HEINTZ and DARIA LITVINOVA
Associated Press

MOSCOW (AP) — Early results Sunday in Russia’s parliamentary election show the dominant pro-Kremlin party well in the lead, but it is unclear if the party will retain the two-thirds majority of seats that would allow it to change the constitution. Results from about 30% of the country’s polling stations give the United Russia party 45% of the vote for the 225 deputies apportioned by party lists. Another 225 seats will be chosen by individual races, and elections officials say United Russia candidates are leading in 179 of those races. The election Sunday lacked significant opposition presence after authorities declared as extremist groups linked to imprisoned Alexei Navalny, the Kremlin’s most prominent foe. The voting was also marred by numerous reports of violations, including ballot-stuffing.