Three-day elections started in the Russian Federation

Photo: Pavel Golovkin - AP

In the Russian Federation, three-day elections to the State Duma (the lower parliament of the federation) have started, which will be held from 17 to 19 September.

Also in 39 regions elections of legislative assemblies will be held, and in nine regions - direct elections of heads of regions. In three other regions, members of parliament will vote for governors.

The Central Election Commission has registered the lists of 14 parties for participation in the elections to the State Duma, with a total of 3,812 candidates.

Many opposition activists say they do not believe there will be clean elections and are sure there will be falsifications in large-scale.