Russia presidential poll date set

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The next presidential election in Russia will be held on 2 March 2008, the speaker of the upper house of parliament (Federation Council) says.

Sergei Mironov said the decision would be published officially on 28 November, launching the election campaign.

President Vladimir Putin is not allowed to run for a third term in office.

He has chosen instead to accept the top spot on the pro-Kremlin United Russia list in parliamentary elections to be held on 2 December.

According to Russian law, candidates must submit their presidential bids no later than 25 days after the official announcement of the election date.

Mr Putin has ruled out any change in the Russian constitution which would allow him to run for a third term, but he is expected to retain political influence, although the nature of his new position is not yet clear, correspondents say.