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)
Russia Beyond 2008
President Putin is mulling his political future (epa)
THE 2008 QUESTION: President Vladimir Putin's second term of office ends in the spring of 2008. Since the Russian Constitution bars him from seeking a third consecutive term, this event threatens to present a crisis in a country that has a history of managed power transitions. Already, Russian politics are dominated by the ominous 2008 question.
RFE/RL's Washington office hosted a briefing to discuss the prospects of Putin seeking a third term. The featured speakers were RFE/RL Communications Director Don Jensen and political scientist Peter Reddaway of George Washington University.
LISTEN
Listen to Don Jensen's presentation (about 16 minutes):Real Audio Windows Media
LISTEN
Listen to Peter Reddaway's presentation (about 35 minutes):Real Audio Windows Media
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