Russian media report that polls are open in municipal and local elections across the country, including Chechnya, Ingushetia and other violence-plagued regions of the Caucasus.The official RIA Novosti news agency reported Sunday that more than 75,000 police provided security for the polls, as voters in 75 regions choose among 90,000 candidates.
Russian media reported early Sunday that the vote was proceeding peacefully.
Chechnya's regional President Ramzan Kadyrov predicted Friday that 99 percent of Chechens would go to the polls, the RIA Novosti news agency reported.
Both Chechnya and Ingushetia are holding their first municipal elections.