"And they're off!" - parties start race for the Duma

Campaigning is underway in Russia for the State Duma parliamentary election. On December 2, Russians will choose solely from party lists under a proportional representation system. To prepare, parties are holding congresses.

Communist party leader, Gennady Zyuganov, says he expects to secure up to 35% of the vote during the December elections. 

He promises  to work to create a left-of-centre bloc and a government the people can trust.

Another party, convening on Saturday, is Russia's Agrarian party. Its leader, Vladimir Plotnikov, expects to garner 10% of the ballots which will allow the party to make it through to the new Duma.

To be elected parties need at least 7% of the votes.