Communist comeback: Voters punish Putin

[marmar]

Reuters reports that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's ruling party lost 77 seats in parliament in an election held on Sunday, according to projections made by the Central Election Commission based on preliminary results. Putin's United Russia is expected to end up with 238 seats, a slim majority in the 450-member lower house. The party previously held a two-thirds majority allowing it to change the constitution without opposition support.

The Communist Party made substantial gains.

Opposition parties say the election was unfair from the start because of authorities' support for United Russia with cash, influence and television air time. European monitors also said Monday the vote was marred by apparent manipulations including ballot box stuffing. ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/05/9217381...