Campaign season kicks off in Russia

MOSCOW, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The official campaign season for Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, is beginning.

Eleven registered parties are running for the Duma using campaign materials and media spots for the next 28 days before the Dec. 2 elections, RIA Novosti reported Saturday.

The support of President Vladimir Putin for the United Russia party suggests the party will be awarded a comfortable majority as opposition to Putin remains slight.

BBC News said the United Russia and Russian Communist Party may be the only parties that surpass the 5 percent threshold to win seats in the parliament, but the Liberal Democratic Party and the recently established A Just Russia party may also do well.

The campaign cycle ends 24-hours before the Dec. 2 vote.