Russia's Supreme Court today cleared the way for President Vladimir Putin to lead the United Russia party in parliamentary elections that could extend his power beyond the time he is constitutionally required to step down.
The court rejected a suit filed by a small which said Mr Putin's name on the party list was a constitutional violation. Russian presidents are not allowed hold the office for more than two four-year terms.
Mr Putin said in October he would head the list of candidates for Russia's biggest political party expecting that its victory in elections on December 2nd could give him an instrument to influence politics after he quits as president next year.
The Union of Right-Wing Forces (SPS), which says it represents urban, educated and liberal Russians, had accused Mr Putin of "repeated violations of the law".
It said the Kremlin, which is the office of the President, exerts such a powerful influence on domestic politics that it is difficult made life hard for the opposition. The Kremlin has rejected such charges.
But Vladimir Pligin, a senior United Russia member told journalists after the ruling. "The SPS is one of dozens of Russian political parties, which have lost parliamentary seats and most of their influence during Putin's eight-year presidency. Putin's decision to head United Russia's campaign has all but killed their chances in the election."
Opinion polls suggest United Russia, personally patronised by Mr Putin who is very popular nationwide, will win about 60 percent of the vote in the election.
Mr Putin said last week that United Russia's landslide win would give him a "moral right" to influence government after he steps down next year.
Boris Nadezhdin, one of the SPS leaders said the party would appeal the ruling within the specified five-say period.