A leading independent election watchdog has said it will boycott next month’s Russian presidential ballot because of state interference.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin continued his moves towards keeping a tight political grip on the country today when he announced he would accept the post of prime minister if a key ally wins next year's presidential election.

Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov will not run for the Russian presidency because his supporters have been unable to rent a hall for a nomination gathering, his spokeswoman said today.

Campaigning ended for Russia's parliamentary election today with President Vladimir Putin's party on course for a landslide victory and opposition groups voicing fears of widespread ballot-rigging.

America was accused of meddling in Russia’s elections by President Putin today. He claimed Washington was advising Western observers to boycott the vote on December 2.

Dozens of opposition activists were detained by riot police today as they tried to rally against Russian President Vladimir Putin's government in central St Petersburg.

Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov's opposition alliance has been barred from participating in December's parliamentary elections, a spokeswoman for the group said today.

President Vladimir Putin today outlined economic goals for his second term, ordering his Cabinet to carry out a sweeping reform of Russia’s tax system in order to encourage economic growth and reduce poverty.

Voter turnout in Russia’s presidential election exceeded the 50% threshold needed to make the vote valid, Russian news agencies quoted Central Election Commission chief Alexander Veshnyakov as saying hours before polls closed today.