Elections held in Russia for Duma

However, the final results will be declared not before December 29 when all the necessary papers reach Moscow from across the country, Veshnyakov added. Twenty-six parties and blocs are in the fray ranging from Left-radical Stalin8217;s Bloc for USSR led by radical Communist leader Viktor Ampilov and Stalin8217;s grandson Yevgeny Djugashvili to the west-oriented Union of Rightist Forces SPS of radical reformers like ex-premier Sergei Kiriyenko and Anatoly Chubais blamed for plundering Soviet assets inherited by Russia.

Theyare all vying for 225 seats of the 450-strong Duma to be allocated on proportionate basis if they clear the minimum five percent barrier.According to latest opinion polls Zyuganov-led KPRF and Yabloko Liberal Bloc are set to cross the minimum barrier, while Kremlin-backed SPS and Zhirinovsky8217;s Bloc are in the risk zone8217;, Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote.

While 2318 candidates are contesting 224 seats in direct elections, one seat would remain vacant since the election in war-torn Chechnya are expected to be held in June along with the presidential polls, the Chief Election Commissioner said.

Fearing Chechen terrorist attacks during the voting, half a million police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed throughout the country.