The Russian parliamentary election process centers on the State Duma, which consists of 450 deputies. These seats are filled through a mixed electoral system: half of the deputies are elected via party lists, while the other half are chosen through single-mandate constituencies. This structure is designed to balance national party representation with local district interests.

United Russia, the country's dominant political party, has maintained a firm grip on the legislature for years. In the 2021 parliamentary elections, the party secured more than two-thirds of the seats in the Duma. This supermajority allows the party to pass constitutional amendments and exert substantial control over the legislative agenda without requiring support from opposition factions.

While other parties, such as the Communist Party, the Liberal Democratic Party, and A Just Russia, hold seats in the Duma, they are often described by political analysts as 'systemic opposition.' This term suggests that while they may occasionally disagree on minor policy points, they generally align with the Kremlin on major strategic and national issues. The electoral environment is heavily influenced by the state's regulatory framework, which dictates which candidates and parties are permitted to appear on the ballot. Critics and international observers have frequently raised concerns regarding the fairness of these elections, citing the exclusion of prominent opposition figures and the restricted media environment. Conversely, state officials maintain that the process is transparent and reflects the genuine will of the Russian electorate.