Russia has called for international observers for the 2026 State Duma elections. The Federation Council sent official invitations to 30 foreign counterparts to monitor the voting on 18-20 September.
The invitations were sent to the parliaments of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and BRICS member countries, as well as friendly and neutral states. According to the Federation Council's press service, the invitees also include the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Arab Parliament, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Senator Sergey Perminov, the authorized representative of the Federation Council in the Central Election Commission, stated that states adhering to the principles of independence and impartiality and recognizing Russia's sovereignty and the supremacy of national election law were invited to observe. Perminov emphasized that this invitation is an important part of inter-parliamentary dialogue.
Earlier, Council Chairwoman Valentina Matviyenko had sent observer invitations to international organizations and national parliaments, while Central Election Commission Chairwoman Ella Pamfilova had invited 12 organizations and 103 countries.
In Russia, the deputies of the ninth State Duma will be determined on the basis of single-mandate electoral districts and party lists. The three-day elections will conclude on 20 September.