Some nerve for the British Government to criticise the 'fairness' of another country's elections: this is the Government that reduced the BBC to taxpayer funded mouthpiece after it dared to questions Government lies about the background to the Iraq war, the Government that never hesitates to spend mllion of taxpayers money on advertising and PR to propagate its policies, the Government that will take money from any shady international fraudster for part funds, the Government that introduced postal voting for all with virtually no checks as to whether voters actually exist let alone whether they are the people who vote, leading to one judge overturning one particularly blatant rigged Labour election victory in Birmingham by saying Britain' electoral system would disgrace a banana republic , and the Government that, in spite of all this, could not even persuade a quarter of the British electorat to vote for them... If only we were lucky enough to have a Putin !!

Clive, Gloucester,

Good plan the Putin plan, be around when the worst man ever to be President of the USA is around and make lots of petodollars off all his bad judgements.
Arrest anyone that opposes you and then hold an election. Good plan the Putin plan, and then build yourself a nice big dacha near the Black Sea when you're only officially worth $150,000. Yes that really looks after Russia's interests doesn't it? So as it stands who can possibly know if Putin is the best leader, the others aren't much good it's true, but they have no voice anyway. Ever read The Godfather Pavel?

Tatyana, Sochi,

No pressure can make over 60%. Even if there was any pressure, nobody can actually see which party you ticked. So I'd say the results are quite fair. Western media and oppositon keeps telling about people getting pressured but neither me nor anyone I know have seen or heard any pressure stories. As an ordinary student I can see the life as it is and trust me - theres no oppression over here. It must be a hype. As for the so-called "liberal opposition" - only an insane person would vote for such people. I didnt go to vote but I like Putin. No other country at the moment has such leader. After 8 years of presidency he still has an amazing support. Bush has been in presidency for almost the same period and look what happened to his rating. The vast majority of people trust Putin and he is a brave man to take this responsibility. Please, learn more about Russia and its ways before you start feeling sorry for our people ) Thank you. Peace.

Dmitri, Murmansk, Russia

Amusing comments from our brainwashed American "friends":)

Bruce L. Northwood: the Russian people have already asked the question ("what were we thinking in the 90s"). This is the answer

Juanito, Vance, Texas: I trust your expertise in sheep and furhers, considering where you come from (and where your president is from, and what your country does, and how your supreme leader treats you and your fellow countrymen)

Kevin, Phoenix, AZ: I guess I must trust your expertise in Iranian elections as well. After all, you get you true and objective information from the freeest media on this planet. They cant lie to you, can they? it's not some barbaric Russian state-controlled-and-owed propaganda TV, right? As Craig Ferguson says - "If it's written down - it must be true!"

Born in The Evil Empire, Samara, Russia

Ignorance may be amusing, but when it shows in such numbers (talking in general, not just this particular article and respective comments) - it's quite scary and worrying. I remember the soviet times -the soviet propaganda machine could only dream of such extent of lies, misinformation, brainwashing, fact-manipulation, biasness an d double standards that we can witness in western (especially - USA/UK) media these days.

It could also only dream about such readiness of the audience (readers, viewers, listeners etc) to be brainwashed and manipulated.

We had our cold shower regarding what median and the governments tells us - in the 80s and 90s. So this experience makes it much more hilarious to see our western "freeedomloving", "cvivilised", "democratic" bitter friends talk about us being sheep, our government being fascist, our population being genetically incapable of appreciating freedom etc.

Born in The Evil Empire, Samara, Russia

Grigory Yavlinsky was 100% right. He said the reason Russians don't value democracy was that only three people died for it in 1991. Also, most people foolishly assume there was democracy in Russia in the 1990s. There wasn't, and if you think there was, go and look a bit harder at how the place was run - mostly by Presidential decree, actually, when Yeltsin was out of hospital.

Howard Gethin, Moscow, Russia

I am dissapointed by these elections. Main problem in my opinion is that United Russia had and have more than 50% of seats which means they do laws suitable for them. That doesn't means all of these laws are bad and pushing country torwards totalitarism, but i'd prefer healthy competition within parliament. Thats why i have voted against United Russia.
I find results of election suspicious too because almost all of my friends were going to vote against United Russia.
And its funny how everyone here speaking about Putin's 3rd presidential term (with suggestion, confidence or fear), everyone but himself. He denies it every time he is been asked about it.

Igor, Ekaterinburg, Russia

Man so much dirt in English papers about Russia in last weeks.
Is this about the UEFA 2008 thing? Some sort of revenge?
Man, some people are sore losers, but this is really pathetic. And please don't tell us that you really care how bad people in Russia live.

Ignas Nikolajev, Tallinn,

Folks,
Why on earth people around the world are so interested and ready to judge russian elections?
Why we just don't let them to live their own life and own way?

Jussi, Stockholm, Sweden

Some times, people are compelled to chose between good democracy and good governmece. I think Russians are right in chosing good governence.

G.V.D.Krishna Mohan, Hyderabad, India

+1 to Elena
I voted for Uniform Russia. I have not felt any pressure upon me.
All parties could participate in debate on TV.
"We'll be better without Putin" is not enough for me.

Sergey, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

To Elena in Moscow. I do live in Russia. She says "United Russia was the only party with clear political programme". Really, Elena? And what does this clear programme consist of? "Putin's Plan" billboards are plastered all over Moscow, but when asked, no-one it seems can tell me what this "plan" consists of, except that the west is evil and everyone except Putin is a lackey of western Embassies. And when will Mr Forty-One Billion Dollars start using words like "Wrecker", "Diversionist", "Japanese Spy", and "Running dog of imperialist centres"? It's a joke and a third world country joke at that. As Russia's population declines to that of Germany or France or even England in 30 years' time, and when the oil runs out, then Russians will finally understand who their real friends are, and perhaps we will finally see the end of their bad-tempered truculence and desire to constantly cause trrouble. Poor Russians: being bad-mouthed by them is like a Rolls-Royce being criticised by a Trabant.

EtCumSpirituTuo, Moscow, Russia

Wow, a landslide victory for Mr Putin! What a surprise! I don't think anyone saw that one coming... almost as fair and free an outcome as the US elections of 2000 when the former President's son snatched victory with the help of some creative vote-counting.

Democracy is under threat around the whole world: in the UK as well the major two parties offer no real alternative, just soundbites. Why are politicians so unable to deliver any vision of change or courage to deal with the real issues facing the average voter?

MB, Edinburgh,

I think that everybody knew what these elections were about. And almost everybody knew how it will finish. I am not surprised. But in fact nothing could have been changed and nothing have been changed - it is just too late. These guys would not let anyone to power. So the Russians are just waiting and enjoying themselves - so do I - until it all finishes. There is not much left in our country to destroy and to steal, and when nothing will be left, Mr. Nice Guy and "His Bear Friends" party will fly to some distant banana republic with our money (they call it "stabilization fund" and place in Zurich and USA banks) and we will stay here and rule for what and who will be left.

Yury, St. Petersburg, Russia

Kudos to Tony Halpin for his article on Russian elections. They were undoubtedly the dirtiest in post-Soviet era of Russia. It is hard to deny that Russia under the rule of Putin has turned from chaotic democracy of Yeltzin era to authoritarian state. Although Russian high--rank official call this regime "guided democracy" (or "sovereign democracy"), these euphemisms cannot conceal the real nature of Kremlin dictatorship. Pinochet also called his rule "protected democracy", however we all know that his regime was far from being democratic. As for economic success story, we heard it too from Pinochet's proponents. By the way, as far as I know GDP growth in Russia during last 7 years was 6.7%, but surely not 2-digit. Yes, it is true that Russians live now much better than in Yeltzin era. But at what price? Here I agree with Bruce L: Someday the Russian people will ask the question.
"what were we thinking". Of course it will be too late.
Sadly enough.

PASIONARIJ, LVIV (LEMBERG), UKRAINE

Yestarday evening I asked all my friends and relatives (more than 45 people) what party did they choose to vote? Nobody (NOBODY!!!) voted for United Russia. Most of all my friends (and friends of my friends) voted for SPS and Yabloko (2 democratical parties).
Official results: SPS - less than 1 percent (no seats), Yabloko - 1,5 percent (no seats), United Russia - 65 percents (99 percents at Chechnya) - Constitutional Control of the Parliament.
how do you like russian elementary maths? )))))

Yan, Moscow, Russia

"Someday the Russian people will ask the question.
"what were we thinking". Of course it will be too late"...The Americans have some nerve criticising anyone elses elections,if I remember correctly Bush won his election 5 votes to 4 through his placemen and a company called Diebold,not to mention wiping thousands of voters off the register in certain states.This time round the Republicans are trying to interfere with the voting system in California,you are closer to a one party state than you think.Only 20% of you have a passport,you should get out more.Bruce,most people of the world are thinking its too late for you.This does not vindicate Putin but people in glass houses etc.Putin may after all be telling his people that they are in grave danger from some rogue state that thinks it can take over the world and only his style of government can stop them,its worked in other countries.

JohnP, Newcastle, UK

Right now the American people are asking themselves the same question. But it is late for American soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. And will be too late if it starts with Iran.

Tatyana, E-burg,

it's good to know that putin has the support of the russian people.he is a moderate leader,a good diplomat,unlike the president of the country that is self-considered the greatest democracy.

herman oberth, bucharest, romania

“the dirtiest, most irresponsible” election. Sounds like the Labour party in the UKSR doesn't it.

stevgillamos, romford,

Putin and his party are definitely a bad news for the rest of the world. We are witnessing a monster in disguise to pop up just next to the European borders....

Lilja , Tallinn, Estonia

I think that it is easy to understand Pavel; his salary increased 4 times with KGB man! BUt I want to say to Pavel: today you vote a rigged election and your hero wins; this is OK 4 you. The risk is that tomorrow the cheater will deceive you and all who voted for him. At this time you and all who voted for him will came back to a well known condition: slavery.
At this time WE, not you, will come back to live side by side with a fool global power hungry dictator.
For this reason reading today russian press is not funny actually, dear Pavel.

Giorgio from Italy

Giorgio Caimmi, Milano, Italia

For today citizens of Russia have chosen which organization convincingly trust (more than 60 %), and hope that owing to their choice will live more reasonably and better. Much in foreign press mismatches a real state of affairs.
I wish to note the unskillfull campaign of Liberal parties. That is necessary for people today they that have not told.

Alexander, Tula,

How can you explain that you are always willing to take a swipe at the most popular leader in Russia (Putin), at the same time being over-ready to throw your weght behind the dreary Ukrainian "democrat" (Yushchenko) who clamps down on the Russian language (the language of half of the Ukrainian citizens, at least) and everyone who differs with him on religion, politics, culture and the causes of Ukrainian famine, but at the same time glorifies Nazi criminals and takes under his protection the most shady "heroes" of the new Ukraine? There is not much to do to gain your sympathy for a post-Soviet "democrat" - just follow the anti-Russia line! The cold war is dead - long live the cold war? Show more consistency and act in conformity with the values you preach!

Vlad, Zaporozhye, Ukraine

Russia needs a real liberal democratic opposition, not the russophobic Berezovsky sponsored "liberals" who have no political platform besides "change everything". The people do not want to change everything, the result is clear. Do you know any country where people would vote for those who hate this country and want to destruct the normal lives of people? SPS, Yabloko etc lost because of this, not because they did not get TV time. Their electorate does not watch TV, they read internet (believe me, it is uncensored in Russia, i am writing this from Moscow). They are political corpses now and i hope now is the time for a real liberal opposition that has the country's interests in mind, not the interests of their financial sponsors.
It is a pity that the West completely lost its credibility by this stupid coverage. Yes, Russians like Putin for protecting their interests. Who wouldn't?

Lena, Moscow,

Putin might be good for Russia, but if he is that good why does he need to put pressure on people voting? Also why does he forbid people gathering to discuss elections, is he afraid he won't get in unless he pressures people. No system is perfect but things in Russia are going backwards to the time of Stalin by another name, Putin

Renny, Ramat Hasharon, Israel

When you want to take comment about other's country, please be aware of this country first, especially the American. Most of the times they know nothing about China, but they always criticize the country's policy.

Alex, Shanghai, China

Look Russians are great and , yes, the economy was in a terrible state before Putin took over. But this was not a democratic election. In a democracy there is free and open competition. It is not the strength of the ruling party that makes a democracy so strong - it is the strength of the opposition - something that dictators always seem to miss when planning their show-elections.

Crashing Dashing Kid, Balamory, Scotland

The fact is - United Russia was the only party with clear political programme, the other ones built their campaign on critising Putin's regime. I don't need your critisism - tell me how you're gonna change the regime you find so bad. But no one did. Can I vote for someone if they don't explain how they see my country's future? I don't think so. "We'll be better without Putin" is not enough, especially when the results of his presidency are obvious - life did get better and more stable. This is something foreign journalists, politicians and other people can't see - they don't live here to experience it. So please leave it to Russians to decide who to vote for.

Elena, Moscow, Russia

I decided to participate in votes after reading British press. Initially there is not any necessity to do something, but pressure from abroad convinced me go and vote for Putin's party.

HadjiSnoop, Moscow, Russia

It looks to me like United Russia is running the show, even if there are other parties. There isnt much freedom with a law against "extremism". Smells like censorship. United Russia couldnt even involve themselves in the debate... I dont understand why the public wouldnt want that.

Ashleigh, Edmonton, Canada

Democracy given by the western country can not give you bread and house but bedlam. Democray is good thing, but we can improve ourselves independently.

Alex, Shanghai, China

It is more fun to read readers' comments than the article. US readers sound totally brainwashed, so much for the "free press". Look at yourselves, folks: your president's rating is in single digits. You call this a democracy? But no, you are so concerned about a country you've never been to. And all you say, really, is - I hate these Russians with all my guts. Sure, you say what you want, but really that's your superiority complex is speaking. By the way, guess who crushed a regime having the same diagnosis some 50 years ago?
Wrong answer! It was not the US army.

Abzats, Hawaii, HI

There is nothing wrong with a political system which gets rid of small or one man parties, which makes running the country vitually impossible.
Israel should adopt the same system, and get rid of the small parties and coalitions which are the bane of life there., and make it very difficult for anything positive to be carried out by the goverment.

Barry Bowalsky, Beer-Sheva, Israel

So funny to read western press and comments. They are too far from real situation. Russian people are not more stupid than americans voting for Mr. texas farmer. (and for a wife of former president - guess what would you say if the same was in Russia - terrible nepotism ;-))).
During Putin's presidency our GDP grew by two-digit percents, my salary increased in 4 times. Whom do you think should I vote for? Mr. Kasparov paid by State Dep.? Or maybe listen to Russian organisation Golos (Voice) (have they got 2 or 3 employees?, don't know)
I'm sure that Putin is not the best at all, but looking at all that "democratic" politians supported by western governments (and longing to get our resources!), I prefer Putin.

Pavel, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

I din't go to vote, but I like Putin. Western media tells you that there is some kind of totalitarian regime here, but there is none, trust me (I'm a simple student so I see the ordinary life as it is). Maybe I should remind you, that our president still has a great support among all sorts of people. Bush has been in presidency for almost the same period - and look what happened to his rating - half of your country hates him. After 8 years of presidency Putin is still incredibly popular - because of his deeds, not because of some "terror" or whatever. As people continue to trust him, he will remain in power and that's a serious responsibility for him which he's not afraid to take. There's no such leader as Putin in any other country at the moment and I'm glad we have him. Please, learn more about Russia and its ways before you start being sorry for our "oppressed" people ) Thank you. Peace.

Dima, Murmansk, Russia

First, the outcome of the election is almost the same as in 2003 - the distribution of the seats will be the same, except that the three minor parties - the Communists, LDPR, and Just Russia - will gain. United Russia will either gain a marginal amount or lose seats. Thus, to claim this is a significant election, when it's really just a preservation of the status quo, is misleading.
Second, Putin is popular for legitimate reasons - rising wages, falling poverty and unemployment, and - omigod yes - a more 'assertive' foreign policy. Should a nation not tend to its best interests? And what evils has Putin committed? Charging market prices for gas?

I think your bumper sticker comments demonstrate who the true sheep are in this equation...

Muzhik, Washington, DC

Ranks right up there with the recent Iranian "elections"

Kevin, Phoenix, AZ

Another Fuhrer. What is it with folks always wanting a supreme leader...sheep.

Juanito, Vance, Texas

Someday the Russian people will ask the question.
"what were we thinking". Of course it will be too late

Bruce L. Northwood, Silver Spring, USA