Countries / Europe
RUS
Elections in Russia
super-presidential republic
Elections in Russia: the next vote, who holds power now, and the country's election history. The next one is the Russian legislative election on 20 September 2026. Head of state is Vladimir Putin; the system of government is super-presidential republic. Contenders include Dmitry Medvedev.
Next election
Russian legislative election - 20 September 2026
Who's running
Dmitry MedvedevIncumbent
United Russia
Former president and chair of United Russia, the dominant pro-Kremlin party.
Holds a supermajority in a tightly controlled vote; real opposition is suppressed.
Gennady ZyuganovMain challenger
Communist Party (CPRF)
Long-time leader of the CPRF, the largest of the systemic-opposition parties.
The largest sanctioned opposition faction in the Duma.
Leonid SlutskyContender
LDPR
Leader of the nationalist LDPR since 2022.
A systemic party broadly aligned with the Kremlin.
Polls & trendField and standings from public polling - a snapshot, not a forecast.
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VP
Vladimir Putin live
Head of state
In office since
7 May 2012
Head of government
Mikhail Mishustin
Region
Europe
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Elections nearby - Europe
Next election
Russian legislative election
20 September 2026
Government
super-presidential republic
Capital
Moscow
Population
146 119 928
Country facts
Legislature
Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
Established
1263
Currency
Russian ruble
Official language
Russian
Capital
Moscow
Region
Europe
Area
17,075,400 km2
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Election history
17 March 2024presidential
Russian presidential election
turnout 77.5%
17 September 2021parliamentary
Russian legislative election
turnout 51.6%
18 March 2018presidential
Russian presidential election
won: Vladimir Putin · turnout 66.4%
18 September 2016parliamentary
Russian legislative election
turnout 47.8%
4 March 2012presidential
Russian presidential election
won: Vladimir Putin · turnout 65.3%
4 December 2011parliamentary
Russian legislative election
turnout 60.1%
2 March 2008presidential
Russian presidential election
won: Dmitry Medvedev · turnout 69.7%
Presidential winner & turnout from Wikidata; parliamentary winners omitted (Wikidata data unreliable).
Power transferspeacefulcontestedirregular
2012 - Dmitry Medvedev Vladimir Putin
peaceful - no coup recorded
2008 - Vladimir Putin Dmitry Medvedev
peaceful - no coup recorded
2000 - Boris Yeltsin Vladimir Putin
peaceful - no coup recorded
Classification: Powell & Thyne Coup d'Etat Dataset, where available.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next election in Russia?
The Russian legislative election is scheduled for 20 September 2026.
Who is the current leader of Russia?
The head of state is Vladimir Putin.
Who is running in the Russia election?
The main contenders are Dmitry Medvedev, Gennady Zyuganov, Leonid Slutsky. Standings are based on public polling.
When was the last election in Russia?
The most recent was the Russian presidential election on 17 March 2024.
What type of government does Russia have?
Russia is a super-presidential republic.
Profile from Wikidata - updated 2026-07-02.