MOSCOW. Oct 1 (Interfax) - Grigory Yavlinsky, leader of the Yabloko democratic party, is not surprised by Russian president Vladimir Putin's decision to lead the United Russia's party list at the Duma elections.

"Essentially, there is nothing new here. That he has decided to bring form and content to the consistency is an articulate move. He led this party and he leads its list now," Yavlinsky told Interfax on Monday evening.

Putin's decision to lead the United Russia party list will not boost competition between the parties, he said.

"It has nothing to do with the elections at all. In my view, nothing changes in terms of competition. Probably, people will vote for Putin's name, which can increase United Russia's votes. But nothing changes radically here. It was clear to all administrative bodies that (United Russia) is a party led by the president," Yavlinsky said.

Yabloko regards all parties running at elections as its rivals, he said.

"Have you ever seen a running race? Runners are standing at the start of the track, and then they start running. Why would they be allies? Each one is for himself, that is the point of a competition," The Yabloko leader said.