Russia awaits end to suspense over 2012 election

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Russia awaits end to suspense over 2012 election

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The United Russia congress is due to discuss the party list for legislative elections.

24 September,2011 02:19 pm

President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Saturday make a rare joint appearance at the congress of Russias ruling party as the country awaits hints over who will stand for the presidency in 2012.The two-day glitzy United Russia congress, which began on Friday, is due to discuss the party list for legislative elections on December 4.They are seen as a dress rehearsal for March presidential polls, the countrys sixth presidential elections since the collapse of the USSR.Both Putin, 58, and Medvedev, 46, have said they could run for president, but with less than six months left before the vote, neither man has announced his candidacy.But signs are multiplying that investors patience is wearing thin amid continuing political uncertainty, particularly at a time when the world is threatened by a new global recession that could hurt key oil exporter Russia.Although both Putin and Medvedev are set to address party delegates, some observers have doused expectations that the congress could see them end the uncertainty before the legislative vote.Any such announcement would turn one of the countrys two most powerful men into a lame duck, say some analysts.Many people though will be looking Saturday for clues from Putin, who is also known for his penchant for springing surprises.No-one is certain that Putin will suddenly lay his cards on the table and name the name of Medvedevs successor, mass-circulation Moskovsky Komsomolets said.There is only hope that Vladimir Putin will end his beloved cat-and-mouse game.There is a strong feeling that all the decisions have been made, added broadsheet Vedomosti. Suspense only exists in the heads of spectators who are for now being kept in the dark by a playwright.