Putin sure of his victory in presidential vote

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has voiced confidence that he will win Sunday's presidential election, while bluntly dismissing opposition demands and maintaining his strong criticism of the United States.

Putin, who is all but certain to regain the presidency, sought Friday to put a positive spin on massive protests that have been held against his 12-year rule, saying they were a "good experience for Russia."

"That situation has helped make government structures more capable, has raised the need for them to think, search for solutions and communicate with the society," he said.

Read details: Google / Associated Press

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Billionaire Prokhorov to Tap Russia Dissent in Bid Against Putin

[ via SFGate ] 13 Dec

Billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov is seeking to tap the dissent that sparked Russia's biggest anti- government demonstrations in a decade, pledging to run against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for the presidency next March.

Billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov (L) - Trouble Putin (R)

"Society is awakening," the New Jersey Nets basketball team owner told reporters in Moscow yesterday after announcing his candidacy in the wake of protests against alleged fraud in a Dec. 4 parliamentary vote. Those among the authorities who fail to establish dialogue with the public "will have to leave.

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