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Voting under way in Russian elections
Voting under way in Russian elections
Voting is now under way in Russia's parliamentary elections, which are expected to give President Vladimir Putin's party a strong majority.
Recent polls in the country of 147 million suggest Putin's United Russia party could win up to 80 per cent of the seats.
Putin is constitutionally prohibited from seeking a third consecutive term as president in the March 2 presidential election.
But he has said a big victory for United Russia would give him the "moral authority" to hold the government and parliament accountable, and could pave the way for a return to the presidency in 2012 or sooner.
He said a strong showing for the party would morally require him to ensure parliament continue his policies.
The election comes on the end of months of heightened attacks on the West and efforts to stifle opponents.
TV news programs have echoed Putin's call for Russians to vote for United Russia. Workers across the country have said their bosses have pressured them to vote on Sunday -- with implications to vote for Putin's party.
With files from The Associated Press
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