An exit poll predicted a resounding victory for the ruling party. The Kremlin's most vocal critics were barred from running in the election, and there have been numerous reports of ballot stuffing and forced voting. The election commission rejected the claims. In its initial set of results, the commission said that with 33 percent of votes counted. United Russia had received more than 45 percent of the vote. United Russia claimed victory a few hours after the polls closed on Sunday evening.