130 Russians vote in State Duma polls in Islamabad

Russian citizens living in or temporarily staying in Pakistan were given the opportunity to vote in Russia’s 2026 State Duma elections at the Russian Embassy in Islamabad.

A polling station was established at the embassy on September 20 for Russian nationals to cast their ballots in the parliamentary elections. According to the embassy, 130 Russian citizens voted at the Islamabad polling station.

Those who participated included officials from the Russian Embassy and Trade Mission, their family members, and other Russian nationals residing or temporarily staying in Pakistan.

Two observers appointed by the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation were also present during the voting process. The observers said the polling was conducted smoothly and in line with the prescribed procedures.

Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, who chaired the Precinct Election Commission, said the embassy had taken additional measures to facilitate voting because of traffic restrictions in Islamabad.

He said the embassy coordinated with Pakistani authorities to inform Russian citizens about the voting arrangements and organised convenient transportation to the polling station. The measures were aimed at helping Russian nationals in Islamabad and nearby areas exercise their voting rights.

Observer Olga Starkova praised the work of the election commission at the embassy and said no violations of established voting procedures were observed.

Another observer, Natalia Zhilina, said the polling remained calm and that the required procedures were followed. She also highlighted the responsible approach shown by both election organisers and voters.

The Russian Embassy thanked all citizens who participated in the parliamentary elections and exercised their constitutional right to vote.

The 2026 State Duma election was held to elect 450 members of Russia’s lower house of parliament. Under the electoral system, 225 seats are filled through federal party lists, while another 225 are contested in single-member constituencies.

Ten political parties were included on the federal party-list ballot. They were United Russia, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, A Just Russia — For Truth, New People, Rodina, Communists of Russia, the Russian Party of Pensioners for Social Justice, the Greens and the Party of Direct Democracy.

The election was conducted over three days, from September 18 to 20.

According to figures cited from Russia’s Central Election Commission, overall turnout had reached around 56.6% by 9pm Moscow time on September 20. Russian citizens could also vote remotely through the country’s electronic voting system.

The State Duma elections are held every five years and determine the composition of Russia’s lower parliamenltary chamber.