MOSCOW, February 1. /TASS/. The mixed electoral system, in which half of all State Duma (lower house) lawmakers are elected by single-mandate electoral districts, while another half is elected via party lists, has proven its effectiveness, Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin told journalists Monday.

"The 50/50 mixed system has proven its effectiveness. On the one hand, there is a party core that makes it possible to implement party projects, and, on the other hand, there are single-mandate deputies. This makes it possible to maintain connection with the citizens," he said, adding that a lawmaker’s active work with its electoral district allows them to understand the problems of citizens and more efficiently represent their interests in the State Duma.

"If we talk about elections, I would like to run in a district, because it enables you to feel the situation and the problems of the people, better," Volodin said, adding that he previously ran both by a party list and by an electoral district.

When asked whether the State Duma could admit people with no prior ties to politics, including athletes, or more women, the speaker underscored that it is up to voters to decide, adding that elections are won by those "whom the people view as mouthpieces of their interests - those who see their problems and help solving them."

In Russian State Duma elections, 225 lawmakers are elected by party lists, while the other 225 are elected by single-mandate electoral districts for a five-year term. The next Duma election will take place on September 19, 2021.