Russia's Duma elections set for Sept 18-20; Yabloko disqualified, expats may vote

Russia will hold State Duma elections from September 18-20, 2026, with the anti-war Yabloko party disqualified, a notable development in the campaign. Russians abroad, including those who left the country, can vote at overseas polling stations, where the Kremlin-backed party could face losses, as seen in 2024. The disqualification signals tightened political space, while expat voting offers a channel for dissent.