President Vladimir Putin submitted a bill that would change how the upper house of the Russian parliament is formed, a move he said would make it more democratic but which critics said would not change the body’s role as an obedient tool of the Kremlin.

Vladimir Putin’s party won a crushing victory in Russia’s parliamentary elections, paving the way for the leader to remain in control even after he steps down as president.

Russians complained today about being pressured to vote, with some saying their ballots were already filled out for President Vladimir Putin’s party and others reporting cash bribes, election watchdogs said.