Russia Names Parties Eligible For Duma Elections
A campaign poster of A Just Russia, one of the pro-Kremlin parties, in Samara (ITAR-TASS)
Fifteen parties meet the requirements outlined in the Russian federal legislation on political parties.
According to recent independent polls, four parties are likely to dominate the vote: the pro-Putin Unified Russia and A Just Russia; the Communist Party of the Russian Federation; and the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia.
In order to compete in the December 2 elections, the parties have to complete a final round of registration with the Central Election Commission.
Deputies are elected to the State Duma under a proportional system. To qualify for parliamentary representation, parties must receive at least 7 percent of the vote.
In 2006, the minimum required percentage was raised from 5 percent, and the minimum voter turnout was also abolished. The changes are widely regarded as favoring pro-Kremlin parties.
(RFE/RL's Russian Service)