Yabloko is Russia's leading liberal party, with a programme that seeks to spread the benefits of economic reform throughout society, fostering a middle class, and protecting the poor.

In its parliamentary election campaign, Yabloko promised action to combat corruption, and measures to consolidate the institutions of civil society, including an independent judiciary, trade unions, developed political parties, and a free press.

In 1996 Yabloko was severely critical of Russia's military operation in Chechnya. Party leader Grigory Yavlinsky said: "This is the bloodiest autocratic regime since World War Two." Its criticism of the latest operation has been more muted.

Yabloko succeeded in acquiring ex-prime minister Sergey Stepashin as the second figure on its list of candidates. A former Russian ambassador to Washington, Vladimir Lukin, was the third.

Its won fewer votes than expected in the December elections, but remains a significant force in the new parliament.