Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Thursday told his United Russia party that an election is not an end in itself but a chance to do something for the people.
Putin addressed a meeting of the Kirov Region branch of the ruling United Russia party and wished them good luck in upcoming elections. Kirov is one of 12 Russian regions that will elect regional legislative assemblies on March 13.
Putin, who leads United Russia, told the party workers that an election "is not an end in itself."
"Why are they necessary?" he asked. "In order to get the chance to do something for the people, but if this is how it is, the people must feel it."
Putin also emphasized the need for direct and continuous contact with the public. "We need to respond to expectations," he said.
Sections of the Russian public see officials as out of touch with the people, particularly following slow responses to last summers wildfires and the air transport chaos caused by an ice storm in late December. A serious of accidents involving cars using blue flashing lights to get around traffic jams has also stoked public anger at privileges given to officials.
KIROV, February 3 (RIA Novosti)
