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    December 24, 2011

New Anti-Election Fraud Protests Begin in Moscow

   VOA News
   Demonstrators hold Russian opposition flags during a rally protesting
   against election fraud in Moscow, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011.
   Photo: AP
   Demonstrators hold Russian opposition flags during a rally protesting
   against election fraud in Moscow, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011.

   Russian opposition activists are holding demonstrations in Moscow
   Saturday to protest alleged fraud in recent parliamentary polls.
   Thousands turned out for similar protests in Moscow and other cities
   two weeks ago, a few days after Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's United
   Russia party won the December 4 polls.
   The prime minister's party barely held onto the lower house, but
   opposition parties and observers contend the party's vote counts were
   probably inflated. Ruling party leaders have denied cheating.
   On the eve of Saturday's rally, an advisory Kremlin rights panel
   reports there were several violations in the parliamentary vote and
   that they discredit the new parliament.
   The panel is also calling for the resignation of the head of the
   Elections Commission.
   Ruling party leaders have proposed political reforms to appease
   opponents, including the direct election of governors, though
   candidates would have to be approved by the Kremlin.
   Mr. Putin has also said webcameras may be installed at polling
   stations, in an apparent effort to demonstrate transparency.
   Mr. Putin hopes to reclaim the presidency in the next election in
   March. He was Russia's president from 2000 to 20008 and effectively
   remained the country's leader while prime minister.

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