MOSCOW, September 18. /TASS/. Elections on the single voting day has kicked off in Russia’s Central Federal District, where, in addition to State Duma (lower house of parliament) seats, three regional governor posts are also up for grabs.

In addition, members of regional and local legislatures are also being elected in some regions.

The single voting day to elect lawmakers to the 9th Russian State Duma is taking place on September 18-20. For the first time ever, residents of the recently incorporated Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, as well as the Kherson and Zaporozhye Regions, are participating in legislative elections for the lower house of the Russian parliament. A total of ten parties are taking part in the election: United Russia, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF), the Liberal Democratic Party of the Russian Federation (LDPR), New People, A Just Russia - For Truth, the Party of Pensioners for Social Justice, the Communists of Russia, Rodina, the Party of Direct Democracy, as well as the Greens Ecological Party.

Elections for regional legislative bodies are also being held in 39 Russian constituent entities, alongside elections for regional leaders. In eight regions, the leaders will be elected directly, while in three regions, they will be chosen by the regional parliaments. A total of 23,000 seats will be filled.