MOSCOW, September 18 (H.S/RIA Novosti) — Voting in Russia's State Duma elections began as scheduled on Friday, with Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) chief Ella Pamfilova saying that nothing extraordinary had occurred.

More than one million people had already cast their ballots online, according to the latest data from Russia's remote electronic voting portal.

Pamfilova said a total of 1,126 foreign observers from 133 countries and 13 international organisations had arrived in Russia to monitor the elections.

Meanwhile, Russian diplomatic missions abroad reported security concerns ahead of voting.

Russian Consul General in New York Alexey Markov told RIA Novosti that the consulate was aware of plans by a number of pro-Ukrainian activists to try to disrupt the normal voting process.

Russian Consul General in Toronto Vladlen Epifanov told RIA Novosti that the consulate was maintaining contact with Global Affairs Canada and local police regarding security during the State Duma elections. He expressed hope that any attempts to disrupt the voting process would be thwarted.

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said every citizen taking part in the elections brings Russia closer to victory over the enemy.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar