Russia’s parliamentary elections are under way, the first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Ruling party United Russia, which is backed by President Vladimir Putin, is expected to be the biggest party in parliament.
Critics say the election is neither free nor fair, with all ten parties on the ballot either backing – or not openly challenging – the policies of Putin and the war in Ukraine.
The only anti-war party, Yabloko, was removed the ballot in the run-up to polling day – although some candidates remain in some constituencies.
The Kremlin will likely to claim the results show public backing for both the president and the war.
Voting takes place from 18 to 20 September, with no surprise wins expected.
The BBC’s Steve Rosenberg looks at how or the elections will or will not affect the political landscape in Russia.
