Grigory Yavlinsky, the liberal-minded leader of Yabloko, the main centre-left party, has fought an energetic campaign.

ECONOMIST: A Russian coronation | The

The two older liberal parties, Yabloko and the Union of Right Forces (SPS), have hardly fared better.

ECONOMIST: A floundering opposition

Of Russia's main political parties, only Yabloko, on the centre-left, has called for even a conditional ceasefire.

ECONOMIST: Russia and its generals

If all the other parties continue to throw dirt at each other, Yabloko might pick up some extra votes.

ECONOMIST: Russia��s political battle looms | The

It may have slipped below the magic 5% this time, but Yabloko has never reached double figures in ten years of fighting elections.

ECONOMIST: The Russian elections

The third main grouping is Yabloko, a moderate liberal party which prides itself on clean hands but has never been close to power.

ECONOMIST: Russia��s political battle looms | The