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    December 15, 2011

Russian PM Defends Parliamentary Vote Over Fraud Allegations

   VOA News
   Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gestures while a national call-in
   TV show in Moscow, Russia. Putin said Thursday the results of Russia's
   parliamentary election reflected the people's will, and that the
   opposition had alleged vote fraud purely to str
   Photo: AP
   Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gestures while a national call-in
   TV show in Moscow, Russia. Putin said Thursday the results of Russia's
   parliamentary election reflected the people's will, and that the
   opposition had alleged vote fraud purely to strengthen its position,
   December 15, 2011.

   Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has defended the results of the
   parliamentary elections and rejected allegations of voter fraud.
   Speaking during a televised call-in session, Putin said the December 4
   vote reflected the views of the people despite the opposition's call
   for another vote.
   The Russian prime minister also said the demonstrations like one held
   following last week's parliamentary vote are acceptable as long as no
   laws are broken.
   Police reported 20,000 people took to the streets of Moscow last
   Saturday, and thousands more rallied in other cities across Russia,
   protesting alleged fraud in parliamentary elections won by Putin's
   ruling United Russia party.
   The elections saw United Russia lose support with a reduced majority in
   the State Duma.
   Leaders of United Russia -- which has dominated Russian politics for
   more than a decade -- have denied cheating.
   Putin said he is proposing that cameras be installed at polling
   stations for the upcoming presidential election in March.
   He is expected to win the election.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.

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