The Central Election Commission on 5 August conducted a random draw to determine the order of 11 parties on the ballot for the State Duma elections. United Russia secured the first position, followed by Yabloko, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR), the Party of Direct Democracy, the Russian Ecological Party “The Greens”, A Just Russia, Rodina, the Communist Party (KPRF), the Party of Pensioners, Communists of Russia, and New People. The draw, using a lottery machine, was overseen by CEC Chairwoman Ella Pamfilova, who expressed doubt that ballot placement significantly affects electoral outcomes. “Everything depends on how interesting the parties and their candidates are to voters,” she said, according to Interfax.

Yabloko chairman Nikolai Rybakov welcomed the second spot, stating he had drawn the number he wanted. “Because the choice for citizens is either United Russia or Yabloko. Now we know that citizens have the opportunity to vote for peace and freedom — for number 2,” he said, as quoted by Novaya Gazeta. Yabloko is the only party on the ballot that has called for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine, a stance that has made its participation contentious. Radio Liberty reported that some anti-war figures argue the party’s role is decorative and that election results will be falsified, while others urge support. The party itself has faced obstacles: around 40 of its members were barred from participating in the campaign, and over 10 have become defendants in criminal cases, according to the same report.

The ballot order was unanimously approved by the CEC following the draw. The elections for the 450-seat Duma, half of which are filled by party lists and half by single-mandate constituencies, will be held over three days from 18 to 20 September. Official campaigning begins on 22 August. The CEC completed registration of party lists on 30 July. Pamfilova noted that a shift to electronic drawing of lots is premature due to public distrust. The vote will also take place in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, Radio Liberty added.