Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Putin Pushes for High Turnout

Mentor wants mandate for Medvedev

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 29, 2008 4:35 PM CST

(Newser) – Even with the outcome all but certain, Vladimir Putin took to the airwaves today to urge Russians to vote in Sunday’s elections. Putin wants to enable his hand-picked presidential successor, Dmitry Medvedev, to claim a strong mandate, so the government is pushing for turnout of at least 65%, the London Times reports. That puts pressure on regional politicians and factory owners .

“The opinion of each of you is important," Putin said. "I ask you to vote for our and your future, for Russia’s future.” He did not name Medvedev, but the implication was clear. “Who will bring to the post of head of state real value for all the citizens of our great homeland?" Last December’s election showed widespread ballot-stuffing as different regions sought to deliver the highest turnout.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and First Deputy Prime Minister and presidential candidate Dmitry Medvedev  are seen during a meeting in the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow,  Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and First Deputy Prime Minister and presidential candidate Dmitry Medvedev are seen during a meeting in the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, Sunday, Dec....   (Associated Press)
Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses the nation in this image broadcasted by Russian First Channel on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008. President Vladimir Putin urged Russians on the last day of presidential campaign Friday to cast their ballots Sunday, though the contest's outcome is all but certain. (AP Photo/ Russian First...
Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses the nation in this image broadcasted by Russian First Channel on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008. President Vladimir Putin urged Russians on the last day of presidential...   (Associated Press)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and First Deputy Prime Minister and presidential candidate Dmitry Medvedev are seen during a meeting in the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow,  Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and First Deputy Prime Minister and presidential candidate Dmitry Medvedev are seen during a meeting in the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, Sunday, Dec....   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Voters Bullied to Boost Medvedev

Russian Liberal Stands Down

Medvedev Rips 'Provocateurs, Extremists'

Kremlin Tries to Calm Protesters

Russia Jails Protest Leaders


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne