Russia's Duma election pre-empted by FSB political police, opposition sidelined

Ahead of Russia's Duma elections, the electoral process is being orchestrated by the FSB's Second Service (political police), with deputies effectively selected in advance. This indicates a further consolidation of authoritarian control, with the outcome predetermined and opposition marginalized. The development underscores the erosion of democratic institutions in Russia, though it is not a sudden shift but a continuation of established patterns.