Russia presidential campaign kicks off

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-03-2008 09:08

A one-month-long media blitz has officially begun ahead of Russia's presidential elections.

First Deputy Prime Minister and presidential front- runner, Dmitry Medvedev speaks during celebrations  marking the 65th anniversary of the Battle of  Stalingrad, in Volgograd, Russia, Saturday, Feb. 2,  2008.  (AP Photo/Sergei Karpukhin, Pool)

Dmitry Medvedev from the ruling United Russia party is the clear front-runner in the election campaign.

Billboards and posters have sprung up across the capital weeks before the presidential election.

The four candidates will be able to use free airtime on the radio and television from Monday, as law allows it only on weekdays.

The state-run opinion center is forecasting that Dmitry Medvedev would receive three quarters of the votes over his rivals from the Communist Party, the Liberal-Democratic Party and Democratic Party of Russia.

That prediction is echoed on the streets of Moscow, though not everyone has decided.

Moscow Resident, said, "Naturally, I will vote. For sure, I have to give support for a candidate. But I haven't decided yet which candidate. I will have to think and follow the election advertisements."

Moscow Resident, said, "As a man who has passed through the years of "perestroika," the main thing for me is stability. That's why I will vote for the current power because I know it."

Moscow Resident, said, "To my personal mind everything will be good with us and Medvedev will be our new president. And the election campaign is going in good way".

President Vladimir Putin, who is barred from seeking a third consecutive term, has named Medvedev as his preferred successor.

Putin's backing, plus his own popularity is likely to make Medvedev all but a shoo-in for the presidency.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei