Russia's presidential poll in March, 2008: report

Russia will hold the next presidential election on March 9, 2008, electoral commission chairman Alexander Veshnyakov said.

Russia will hold the next presidential election on March 9, 2008, electoral commission chairman Alexander Veshnyakov said Thursday, Interfax news agency reported.

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"I think we can already name a date. The Russian presidential election will take place on the second Sunday of March 2008..., March 9," Veshnyakov said.

Under the Constitution President Vladimir Putin is required to step down in 2008, following his second consecutive four-year term in the Kremlin.

Putin is widely expected to name a preferred successor who would then have an overwhelming advantage in the poll.