Who Is Going To Run For President In Russia?

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, war veterans and cadets watch the military parade in Red Square Photo: REUTERS

Russia's Kremlin Race: Dmitry Medvedev v Vladimir Putin -- BBC

With just 10 months to go before Russia's next presidential elections, the general public and analysts are still in the dark about who will be running. Will incumbent leader Dmitry Medvedev seek a second term? Or is his predecessor and mentor Vladimir Putin planning a return? Might they even run against each other?

Here, the BBC's Moscow correspondents Daniel Sandford and Steve Rosenberg look at how each of the potential candidates may be charting his path to the Kremlin seat, and whether the political "tandem" is breaking down.

Read more ....

More News On Russia's Presidential Race

Snap analysis: Medvedev may want second term but Putin to decide -- Reuters
Russians Play Guess Who's Running For President -- NPR
Medvedev and Putin still sparring -- ABC.net.au
Russia's Medvedev promises election decision 'soon' -- BBC
More Questions Than Answers At Russian President's Press Conference -- Radio Free Europe
'Strange' Medvedev befuddles Russia -- AFP
Key Question Is Left Open as Medvedev Faces Media -- New York Times
Russia’s President Not Revealing Election Plans -- Voice of America
Medvedev squanders presidential bid announcement -- The Telegraph
Medvedev vs. Putin: Tale of the tape -- The Telegraph

My Comment: Of the two contenders .... Putin is by far the most popular in Russia, and he would easily win any Presidential election. But because Prime Minister Putin has not made his intentions clear .... President Medvedev is not in the position to decide on whether to run or not.

What is my prediction .... Putin is not going to run for the Presidency. He enjoys the freedom that he has right now, and he does not want to have the responsibilities that the Office of the President holds. If he does run for the Presidency, it is because he has lost confidence in President Medvedev's leadership abilities, and there are no viable alternatives on the political scene to his liking. When he finally makes his decision .... it is only then that President Medvedev will commit (or not).