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| Title | Russia: Candidate Putin calls for strengthening democracy |
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Country | Russian Federation |
| Publication Date | 6 February 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Candidate Putin calls for strengthening democracy, 6 February 2012, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4f3bc75dc.html [accessed 2 June 2012] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Russia: Candidate Putin calls for strengthening democracy
February 06, 2012
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has called for more direct democracy in Russia in another article outlining his presidential campaign platform.
In an article in the "Kommersant" newspaper, Putin backs direct municipal elections and local-level referendums, and pledges to introduce in the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, draft measures to develop Russia's "political and party system."
Putin wrote: "Society today is completely different from what it was in the early 2000s."
Putin, who served two presidential terms between 2000 and 2008, is seeking a third term in the March 4 election.
In 2004, Putin eliminated the direct election of regional governors, eliminated direct representation of voters in the national legislature, made it more difficult for independent candidates and small parties to gain representation in local legislatures, and tightened requirements for conducting referendums.
On February 4, tens of thousands of people rallied in central Moscow to demand an end to Putin's rule following disputed parliamentary elections in December.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
Topics: Elections,
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