Putin's United Russia party was expected to fare poorer than it did four years ago but nonetheless was considered likely to retain a majority in the next State Duma, the lower chamber of the Russian parliament.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/December/04.12.2011/russian_vote_n_putins_leadership.htm
http://ummid.com/news/2011/December/04.12.2011/russian_vote_n_putins_leadership.htm