The Russian Duma has officially approved a ban on individuals designated as "foreign agents" from participating in elections at all levels. These individuals, identified by the Ministry of Justice's list of "foreign agents" or affiliation with extremist or terrorist organizations, are now prohibited from engaging in various electoral activities.

Roles affected include candidacy, election observation, and representation of candidates and electoral unions. Notably, current officeholders won't be added to the "foreign agents" list until after election results are finalized.

Additionally, the approved amendments stipulate the early termination of "foreign agents" serving as senators, deputies, or members of regional or local governing bodies if they fail to be delisted within 180 days of the law's enactment.

While no "foreign agents" currently hold seats in the State Duma of Russia, several are identified in municipal and regional councils, such as the Moscow City Duma, St. Petersburg Legislative Council, and Republic of Komi Legislative Council.

These amendments were swiftly introduced during the Duma's deliberations, initially aimed at rectifying submission errors in electoral documents. The urgency in enacting these changes likely stems from the anticipated candidacy of 45 "foreign agents" in the upcoming Moscow Duma elections, slated for September.

Presently, over 400 individuals are listed as "foreign agents" in Russia, with many residing abroad while most remain within the country. The Russian authorities assert that designating individuals or organizations as "foreign agents" is solely to regulate foreign funding and does not infringe on their rights.

The ruling Georgian Dream party in March resubmitted a foreign transparency bill that is branded as a “Russian law” by domestic actors and foreign allies.