The tightly controlled vote, taking place from Friday to Sunday, is widely expected to shore up the United Russia party's dominance in the 450-seat State Duma. External observers will focus on voter turnout and the margin of victory for signs of public discontent, as the party's approval ratings have slumped to a four-year low amid a nationwide fuel crisis and Ukrainian drone strikes. Analysts note the elected parliament will sit through to the 2030 presidential election, potentially playing a major role in any political transformation.