Kasparov Nominated to Stand for Russian President, Putin to Run for Parliament

World | October 1, 2007, Monday // 00:00

Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov, who has become increasingly involved in politics in recent years, will run for president next year after winning nomination by the Other Russia coalition, while on the same day outgoing president Vladimir Putin gave the clearest sign he wasn't done with politics just yet.

Kasparov is one of the founders and leaders of the coalition, which is strongly opposed to Putin, who is barred from running for a third term by Russia's constitution.

However, Putin's public approval ratings are so high, he would win hands down and so would whomever he endorses, which makes Kasparov's chances very slim.

Putin himself accepted on Monday the nomination of the pro-presidential United Russia party to head its MP list at the parliamentary polls and shows no signs of quitting politics.

"I accept this nomination with gratiude," Putin told the party's electoral congress.

One of Putin's harshest critics, Kasparov has long been involved in organising anti-Putin rallies throughout the country, and was even arrested by riot police earlier this year.

He won three quarters of the total votes in a primary election organised by Other Russia, with former PM Mikhail Kasyanov and former central bank governor Viktor Gerashchenko among the other nominees.

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