Officially an independent candidate, the Kremlin leader started his election campaign for a fourth presidential term by participating in an event of his "United Russia" party. The party represents "a great force of unity for the country", declared Vladimir Putin, promising to continue on the path of renewal of Russia. Prime Minister Dimitri Medvedev, leader of united Russia, assured Putin of all support, declaring that "the country needs an undisputed strong leader". As an independent, Putin will need to collect 300 signatures to confirm his candidacy, a goal that poses no problems thanks to the militants of united Russia. Meanwhile, two other candidates took to the field today for the presidential elections on March 18. Journalist Xenia Sobchak was chosen as a candidate for the small liberal citizen initiative. In order to participate, he must collect at least 100 signatures. Daughter of former St. Petersburg mayor Anatoly Sobchal, the 36-year-old is known for her participation in talk shows and reality TV. The Communist Party has deployed the independent Pavel Grudinin, director of a state farm near Moscow, among the largest strawberry producers in the country, which continues to be called Sovkoz Lenin as in Soviet times. Party leader Gennady Zyuganov, 73, has given up running for the fifth time due to age. As the party is represented in parliament, a collection of signatures is not required.
