Vladimir Putin's ruling party set for commanding win in parliament vote

President Vladimir Putin’s ruling party is set to win a decisive victory in legislative polls, authorities said, although discontent eroded support in some regions and opponents alleged widespread fraud.

United Russia was on track to maintain its majority of more than two-thirds of the seats in the State Duma with 75% of ballots counted, according to the Central Election Commission. While the ruling party won most of the regional races, in one major Siberian region, the ruling party came in second to the Communists, a rare defeat.

While Putin personally retains broad support, according to polls, United Russia recorded some