Putin calls for parliamentary elections on September 18

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the decree calling for the elections to the State Duma (lower house) to be held on September 18, Kremlin said.

While the date of the elections was already known, the presidential decree is meant to officially launch the electoral process for the renewal of the Duma, composed of 450 deputies, Efe news reported.

Initially the elections were scheduled for December 4, but the Duma itself decided in July 2015 to advance them to September 18, to coincide with municipal and regional elections to be held on the same day.

The Duma's decision was endorsed by the constitutional court.