President Vladimir Putin has urged Russians to vote for his United Russia party in Sunday's parliamentary election, in a televised address.
President Vladimir Putin has urged Russians to vote for his United Russia party in Sunday's parliamentary election, in a televised address.
"I ask you to come to the polls and vote for United Russia," he said.
"I ask you to come to the polls and vote for United Russia," he said.
President Putin, who cannot run for a third term in presidential elections next March, tops the list of United Russia's candidates.
President Putin, who cannot run for a third term in presidential elections next March, tops the list of United Russia's candidates.
Mr Putin said Sunday's result would "set the tone" for the March election. United Russia is expected to triumph.
Mr Putin said Sunday's result would "set the tone" for the March election. United Russia is expected to triumph.
He said a vote for United Russia would ensure "stability and continuity", rather than the turmoil of the 1990s.
He said a vote for United Russia would ensure "stability and continuity", rather than the turmoil of the 1990s.
"We cannot allow the return to power of those who once tried but failed to rule the country," he said, referring to the liberal politicians who advised his predecessor Boris Yeltsin.
"We cannot allow the return to power of those who once tried but failed to rule the country," he said, referring to the liberal politicians who advised his predecessor Boris Yeltsin.
He said his opponents "want to reshape Russia's development plans and change the course supported by our nation, bringing back the times of humiliation, dependence and disintegration".
He said his opponents "want to reshape Russia's development plans and change the course supported by our nation, bringing back the times of humiliation, dependence and disintegration".
Liberal opposition parties accuse the Kremlin of harassment and domination of the mass media. Police have broken up several opposition rallies, detaining the organisers.
Liberal opposition parties accuse the Kremlin of harassment and domination of the mass media. Police have broken up several opposition rallies, detaining the organisers.
BBC World Television will be covering the elections from Moscow and will be speaking to Vladimir Pozner, journalist and presenter of a television political chat show.
Send him your questions using the form below. He will answer a selection on BBC World TV on 30 November.
