Russian Citizens in Pakistan Vote in State Duma Elections at Islamabad Embassy

ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan provided Russian citizens residing in or temporarily staying in Pakistan with an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the 2026 State Duma elections.

A polling station was opened at the Russian Embassy in Islamabad on September 20, where, according to the embassy, 130 Russian citizens cast their ballots.

Those who voted included officials and family members of the Russian Embassy and Trade Mission, as well as Russian citizens residing in or temporarily staying in Pakistan.

Two observers appointed by the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation were present at the polling station.

The observers said voting proceeded smoothly and in accordance with established electoral procedures.

Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, who chaired the Precinct Election Commission, said the embassy had taken additional measures to facilitate participation because of traffic restrictions in Islamabad.

He said the embassy coordinated with Pakistani authorities to inform Russian citizens about the polling arrangements and provide convenient transportation to the polling station.

Civic Chamber observer Olga Starkova praised the work of the election commission at the Russian Embassy and said no violations of established voting procedures had been identified.

Another observer, Natalia Zhilina, said the voting process remained calm and that the required procedures were followed.

She also highlighted what she described as the responsible approach demonstrated by both election organisers and voters.

Russia held elections for the 450-seat State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly, from September 18 to 20, 2026. Half of the seats are elected through federal party lists and half through single-member constituencies. ([turn674796search4])

According to preliminary figures from Russia’s Central Election Commission, voter turnout reached approximately 56.6 percent by the close of polling on September 20. ([turn674796search0])

Russian citizens could also participate remotely through the country’s electronic voting system in addition to voting at polling stations.

The Russian Embassy in Pakistan thanked all Russian citizens who participated in the parliamentary elections and exercised their constitutional right to vote.

The embassy said the participation of Russian citizens in Pakistan reflected their civic engagement and allowed them to take part in the election process despite the logistical challenges caused by restrictions in Islamabad.

The 2026 election marked the selection of deputies for the ninth convocation of Russia’s State Duma.