In total, six candidates were nominated for this position, including Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Vladimir Zhirinovsky, who is the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), Doctor of Philosophy Kamilzhan Kalandarov, Alexander Lagutin, retired ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Russia Georgy Rudov, retired federal judge Natalya Yakovleva and Vladimir Lukin. In fact, only two of the candidates are widely known.

In accordance with the law, the commissioner is to be a Russian citizen over 35 years of age who has knowledge in the field of human rights protection. According to chairman of the State Duma committee for constitutional legislation Vladimir Pligin, all candidates technically meet to all these requirements. During a discussion, Mr. Kalandarov withdrew his candidacy backing Mr. Lukin. The Communist and Rodina (Motherland) factions decided not to participate in voting on all candidates suggested for the post.

It is worth mentioning that the term of the previous ombudsman, Oleg Mironov, expired on May 22, 2003. However, the 3rd State Duma failed to pick one of the eight nominated candidates on June 21, 2003, as opinions of its factions differed, none of them had a majority, and they could not decide on a single candidate.

This time, Mr. Lukin was supported by 333 deputies; four were against and one abstained.

The new ombudsman stated that he would suspend his membership in the Yabloko party. Mr. Lukin said that under the law, he was to do this within 14 days. Eventually, while he is the commissioner, Mr. Lukin will be non-partisan.