Rivals allege fraud as pro-Putin party wins majority in Russia

Opponents accused Russian authorities of mass fraud on Monday after the ruling United Russia party, which supports President Vladimir Putin, won a bigger than expected parliamentary majority despite unease over living standards.

With over 99 per cent of ballots counted, the Central Election Commission said United Russia had won nearly 50 per cent of the vote, with its nearest rival, the Communist Party, taking just under 19 per cent.

The scale of the victory means United Russia will have more than two-thirds of deputies in the 450-seat State Duma lower house of parliament. 

This will enable it to continue to push through laws without having to rely on other parties. United Russia, a party that Putin helped found, had always been expected to win.

Pre-vote surveys had suggested that discontent over years of faltering living standards and corruption allegations would dent United Russia's support.