MOSCOW (Realist English). On June 5, the Expert Institute for Social Research (EISI) held a roundtable at the Russia Today International Multimedia Press Center to discuss preparations for the 2025 Unified Election Day, set for September 12–14. According to Darya Kislytsina, EISI’s regional programs director and a member of Russia’s Civic Chamber, more than 55 million voters will be eligible to cast ballots.
Gubernatorial elections are scheduled in 21 regions, with 11 regional parliaments and 25 capital city councils also heading to the polls. Kislytsina called 2025 a critical year for parties as they position themselves ahead of the pivotal 2026 State Duma elections.
Alexander Nazarov, political technologist and board member of the Russian Association of Political Consultants, emphasized 2025 as a “test year” to evaluate parties’ technological tools and grassroots strength. He noted a surge in digital voting technologies and an increased focus on social outreach initiatives.
Senator Sergey Perminov of United Russia highlighted the party’s emphasis on early victories and legitimacy, stressing support for participants in the Special Military Operation (SMO). Over 827 SMO veterans won the party’s internal e-voting primaries in 2025, compared to 95 in 2024. The party expects up to 1,500 SMO candidates to compete this cycle.
Sergey Obukhov, State Duma deputy and secretary of the Communist Party (KPRF), said the KPRF is determined to compete with United Russia for first place while continuing to support SMO veterans. The party is prioritizing 11 regional parliaments, including Novosibirsk, Chelyabinsk, and Komis Republic, and is eyeing “double elections” where both governors and legislatures will be selected.
Maria Voropaeva, deputy head of the LDPR central office, reported the party’s highest support rating since 2020, asserting its goal to become the second-largest political force in at least half of the 11 legislative regions voting this year. LDPR also plans to support up to 15,000 municipal candidates.
Dmitry Gusev of A Just Russia – For Truth named inflation, demographics, and migration among the party’s legislative priorities, with an emphasis on regional and municipal elections and modern campaigning tools.
For the New People party, 2025 is more than a rehearsal. Yaroslav Samylin, State Duma deputy, emphasized measurable improvements in daily life as a campaign cornerstone. Having grown from near-zero visibility five years ago, the party now polls between 5% and 7%.
Eric Prazdnikov, newly elected chairman of the Russian Party of Pensioners for Social Justice, announced plans to expand presence in at least seven regions, focusing on healthcare, education, housing, and demographic policy.
Anna Fedorova, EISI political consultant, concluded the roundtable by noting a shared thematic focus across party platforms on cost of living, migration, demographics, and the impact of AI. She underscored the importance of engaging first-time voters and setting the stage for a decisive 2026.
“While voters in 2025 may not yet be thinking about 2026, this cycle is about preparing the ground — a soft introduction of new candidates and ideas,” Fedorova said.
