President Dmitry Medvedev faced a test of his pledge to boost Russian democracy yesterday when polls opened for 30 million voters in regional elections the opposition say have been rigged.
Mr Medvedev has promised to break the near-monopoly of ruling party United Russia over the political system. Critics say democracy was undermined by his predecessor Vladimir Putin, now prime minister, and the opposition says the situation has deteriorated since Mr Medvedev came to power in May 2008.
"Political competition is practically zero," said Liliya Shibanova, head of independent poll watchdog Golos."Medvedev says we need competition,we need a multi-party system, but election results show the exact opposite."
Mayoral, regional and district elections are being held in 76 of Russia's 83 regions, but the opposition has been scathing of elections to the Moscow council. Six parties were registered for yesterday's Moscow vote, but the only posters in the city are for United Russia.
"Everything is decided in advance,"said teacher Jay Komisarzhevskaya."I haven't voted for 10 years."
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