Moscow: President Vladimir Putin today urged Russians to support his party in Sunday's parliamentary elections in order maintain stability and development, warning that voting his opponents to power would push the country back to "dependence and fragmentation".

"Please do not think that every thing is predefined and the tempo of our development, vector of our advance towards success would be preserved automatically, by themselves," Putin said in his pre-recorded speech televised at noon today.

The president said whatever had been achieved "can be preserved only under the condition of our active civic stance". Putin, who is the lead candidate for the ruling United Russia in Sunday s elections for the State Duma (lower house), also said the vote will set the "tone" for the presidential polls on March 2.

"The result... Will set the tone for the election of a new president," Putin said, indicating that he would abide by the constitution which bars presidents from seeking a third consecutive term. In an obvious reference to pro-western Yeltsin-era forces, Putin cautioned against the return of "those who had already tried to steer the country".

"If we really want to live with dignity, then we cannot permit the return to power of those, who once already unsuccessfully tried to steer the nation and today would like to recraft and turn into mere talks the plans of Russia s development, change the course already backed by our people and return the times of insult, dependence and fragmentation."

Acknowledging the "mistakes and slippages" of his government, Putin vowed that the fight against poverty, crimes and corruption would be intensified if the polls ensure continuity of state power.

Source : PTI