Putin Calls On Public To Vote In Sunday's Election

Moscow, 11 March 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin appealed to Russian voters today to cast their ballots in the 14 March presidential election.
Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin ahead of Sunday's presidential election that only the support by the people can give the future president of Russia confidence in his abilities.

Putin is seen as the overwhelming front-runner, but he needs 50 percent of eligible voters to turn out for the ballot to be declared valid.

For full coverage of Russia's 14 March presidential election, please see our Russia page at http://www.rferl.org/featuresarchive/country/russia.html.