Russian voters have significantly reduced the parliamentary majority of Vladimir Putin's ruling party in an election that highlighted a growing dissatisfaction with his control over the country as he prepares to return to the presidency. Initial results indicate that Putin's United Russia party struggled to secure even 50 percent of the votes in Sunday's election, a sharp decline from the more than 64 percent they received four years ago. Opposition parties have accused the government of inflating the results through fraud. Despite the likelihood of Putin winning the presidential election in March, the outcome of Sunday's election may weaken the authority of the leader who has governed for nearly 12 years through a combination of tough security measures, political skill, and public displays, but who faced public criticism after a recent martial arts event. United Russia had received 49.94 percent of the votes after 70 percent of voting districts had reported their results for the State Duma election. Exit polls also indicated that United Russia was below 50 percent. Vladimir Ryzhkov, a liberal opposition leader who was prohibited from running, stated that the elections were unique due to the lack of trust in Putin, Medvedev, and the ruling party. He believes that the upcoming presidential election in March will result in an even larger political crisis, with increased disappointment, frustration, and protest votes. Putin is known for restoring order in a country that was in chaos after the collapse of the Soviet Union, including crushing a separatist rebellion in Chechnya, regaining control over unruly regions, and overseeing an economic recovery. He has cultivated a tough guy persona by performing daring stunts like riding a horse shirtless, hunting tigers, and flying a fighter jet. However, the public seems to be growing tired of his antics and his popularity, while still strong, has decreased. Many voters, frustrated with widespread corruption, view United Russia as the party of dishonest individuals and resent the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor. Some are concerned that Putin's return to the presidency could result in economic and political stagnation. Putin and Medvedev, who took over the presidency in 2008 when Putin had to step down after serving two consecutive terms, briefly appeared at a subdued meeting at United Russia headquarters. Putin stated that the outcome was optimal. Medvedev stated that United Russia, previously holding a two-thirds majority, is willing to form alliances on specific issues in order to gain support for legislation. Putin, aged 59, called this result optimal and reflective of the country's current situation, ensuring stable development. However, with indications that voters feel deceived by Putin's decision to switch roles with Medvedev and disheartened by the idea of one man in power for over a decade, Putin's return to the presidency may be more challenging. Andrei Piontkovsky, a political analyst, stated that the recent election results signify the beginning of the end, indicating a decline in both the party's and the country's leaders' prestige. The Communist Party saw significant gains in the election, almost doubling their vote to around 20 percent, two decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Sergei Obukhov, a communist parliamentarian, mentioned that Russia now faces a new political reality, regardless of any attempts to alter the outcome. Many voters cast their ballots in protest against United Russia rather than in genuine support of communist ideals, viewing the Party as the only credible opposition force. Yulia Serpikova, a 27-year-old freelance location manager in the film industry, expressed her sadness at having to vote for the Communists despite promising her grandfather she never would. Opposition parties raised concerns about election irregularities across a vast area, with reports of hacking targeting Western-financed electoral watchdogs and liberal media outlets. Despite President Medvedev denying electoral fraud, protests occurred in St Petersburg and Moscow resulting in multiple arrests. Opposition parties are claiming that the election was biased from the beginning due to the authorities' backing of United Russia with financial support and television coverage. Independent political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin pointed out that United Russia's support decreased even more in urban areas, where they received 30-35 percent of the votes compared to the Communist Party's 20-25 percent. Oreshkin believes this is a challenging situation for Putin, as he is accustomed to having complete control but now faces a presidential campaign with United Russia alienating people against their leader. Putin still does not have any significant competitors as Russia's leader. He continues to be the main decision-maker between the groups that oversee the largest energy producer in the world. This situation is also a setback for Medvedev, who guided United Russia during the election. There may now be doubts about his legitimacy as the future prime minister.