Russians Plan Protests To Demand Free And Fair Elections

04:45

February 03, 2012

Communist party supporters shout anti government slogans during a rally protesting alleged vote rigging in Russia's elections after they visited the mausoleum of Lenin to mark the 88th anniversary of his death at Moscow's Red Square, Russia, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. (AP)

"Putin Go Away," is what a banner hanging in front of the Kremlin says ahead of this weekend's scheduled protests this weekend in Russia.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to flood the streets to demand that next month's presidential elections be free and fair.

Putin, who is now prime minister, served two terms as president, but he's running again and it's assumed he'll win. Fraud allegations marred the parliamentary vote in December that was won by his party, sparking a spate of huge demonstrations.

BBC News: Russian Voters Demand Free And Fair Elections
BBC News: Protests And Opposition To Putin

Guest:

James Coomarasamy, reporter for the BBC who has been traveling around Russia this week gauging the public mood

This segment aired on February 3, 2012.