Kremlin bars Yabloko and arrests CPRF candidates ahead of Duma vote

September 18, 2026 at 02:10 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Russian authorities have barred the antiwar Yabloko party from September's Duma elections and arrested candidates from the Communist Party (CPRF). The moves remove the main outlets for a protest vote against United Russia. The Kremlin is seeking a result that shows full support for President Vladimir Putin.

Key Facts

Yabloko, the only openly antiwar party, was barred from fielding candidates in the Duma elections.
Yandex searches for Yabloko and 'elections' increased fivefold after the party's registration, surpassing searches for United Russia.
The Supreme Court revoked Yabloko's registration in August, citing accusations that the party sought to undermine the electoral process.
Candidates from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) have been arrested or barred from running.
Yabloko had about 4 percent support before the campaign and was projected to receive 1-2 percent of the vote, below the 5 percent threshold.

Ballot Sterilisation

In the weeks before the Duma elections, the Kremlin accelerated what is known as 'ballot sterilisation' to remove risk factors that could show public dissatisfaction. Candidates of managed opposition parties such as the CPRF have been arrested or barred from running, reducing the prospect of a protest vote against United Russia. Last month, Yabloko, the only openly antiwar party, was barred from fielding candidates. In the past, opposition leaders excluded from running, such as the late Alexey Navalny, encouraged voting for these parties as an anti-regime vote.

Yabloko Registration and Reversal

Yabloko is the only surviving officially registered party in Russia that adheres to democratic principles and openly opposes the war in Ukraine. In July, Yabloko was allowed to register for the Duma elections, a decision likely intended to show Kremlin confidence in electoral freedom. The registration prompted a fivefold increase in Yandex searches for the party and 'elections', surpassing searches for United Russia. Exiled political leaders, including Yulia Navalnaya, expressed support and called for votes for Yabloko. In August, the Supreme Court revoked Yabloko's registration following accusations that it sought to undermine the electoral process.

CPRF and Managed Opposition

The CPRF is the second-largest party in the Duma and votes on major bills 'as requested' with United Russia. Public dissatisfaction is widespread, and the Kremlin considers the risk of a display of dissent at the ballot box too high to let the managed opposition run freely. The election must produce a result that 'proves' national unity and full support for President Vladimir Putin and United Russia.