Russia's Duma elections: system degraded, fraud risk high, opposition split

Russia holds State Duma elections Sep 18-20 under a system widely seen as illegitimate, with authorities expecting a solid but not triumphant win. The piece traces how electoral integrity eroded and notes opposition is split between uniting and quarreling over protest-voting strategy, while voters increasingly distrust the process. It matters because the election outcome will shape Russia's political landscape and any fraud evidence could fuel post-election protests.