Russians have come out to the streets in droves to protest the results of the recent parliamentary elections, following allegations of vote rigging.
More than 50 cities across Russia have seen demonstrations, with the biggest in Moscow being the largest public protest in the Russian capital for 20 years. Hundreds have already been arrested in scuffles with police.
The public’s anger has been fuelled by videos circulating online that allege the falsifying of election results and various forms of ballot box fraud.
Results from the election on 4 December saw gave Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s ruling party gain a 49.8 per cent majority vote. According to Russian NGO Citizen Observer, these results have been overvalued by some 20 per cent.
Former President Mikhail Gorbachev is among the voices calling for the results to be cancelled and the election re-run. However, Prime Minister Putin has as yet refused to bow to his opposition.
More public demonstrations are planned for the coming days across Russia.
