Russian President announces plan for political reform

A reinstatement of direct elections of regional governors was proposed by Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev.

Vladimir Putin had previously abolished direct elections in 2004 and governors were since Kremlin appointees.

This was included in Medvedev’s plan for political reform while addressing the full Russian parliament on live television.

Medvedev said that citizens should all be given the opportunity to participate in political life following accusations of alleged election abuse by thousands of demonstrators in Moscow.

Next year’s presidential elections will be honest and transparent according to Medvedev who added that the procedure for registering political parties should be simplified.

Medvedev also warned that “provocateurs and extremists” may attempt to manipulate Russian citizens but it was unacceptable to create divisions in society.