Moscow, 15 February 2000 (RFE/RL) - Russian election officials are due today to consider acting President Vladimir Putin's application to compete in the presidential election March 26. The Central Election Commission has so far registered two of the 15 presidential candidates who have submitted the necessary documents.
Election officials said yesterday that an investigation had been launched into complaints that Putin and his main rival, Communist Party chief Gennady Zyuganov, had broken election rules through early media appearances. Campaigning in print and broadcast media for the election is not yet permitted.
Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev denied any link between the announcement of the end of military operations and Russia's presidential elections on March 26.
U.S. President Bill Clinton said he believed Washington could "do business" with Putin if he is elected president. Clinton said he hoped to make more progress with Moscow on nuclear arms reductions after the election.
Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev denied any link between the announcement of the end of military operations and Russia's presidential elections on March 26.
U.S. President Bill Clinton said he believed Washington could "do business" with Putin if he is elected president. Clinton said he hoped to make more progress with Moscow on nuclear arms reductions after the election.