Millions of Russians have voted in regional and municipal elections, providing a mid-term test of President Medvedev’s promise to loosen the Kremlin’s grip on power.

As expected the ruling United Russia party appears headed for victory according to partial results. Sunday’s vote was held in 76 of the country’s 83 regions.

The electoral commission says in eight regional parliaments United Russia had won between 40 to 86 %. But at Municipal level the story is different. Partial counts show it getting less than 50 percent support.

Indeed in the mayoral election in the Siberian city of Irkutsk, the ruling party has lost control in a swing to the Communists.

United Russia, which is the party of both President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin appears to be suffering the effects of voter anger at the worsening economic situation.

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