Opposition cries foul in Russian parliamentary polls.

  • 13 years ago
Opposition protesters decry Russia's leaders as the country goes to the polls.
Police detain 12 protesters in Moscow, herding them through the crowd and onto a bus.
Opposition parties say the parliamentary elections are not being held fairly.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTER, SAYING:
"I think the government does not fulfill its direct obligations towards the people. It does not fulfill its constitutional requirements, it does not follow the Constitution, it violates each article of the Constitution."
On Sunday, opposition party leaders, some media outlets and an independent election watchdog cited cases of election violations.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's ruling party United Russia dismisses talk of widescale fraud in the poll, which, observers say, is a test for him and his party.
Putin, seen here casting his ballot, served as president from 2000-2008 and is expected to reclaim the post in the presidential election next year.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters

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