Putin to lead gov´t after election

Russia's President Vladimir Putin addresses a congress of his United Russia party held near Moscow's Red Square December 17, 2007. REUTERS/Pool

The United Russia party has officially nominated First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as its candidate for next March's presidential election.

President Vladimir Putin says he will accept the prime minister's post if Medvedev wins the election.

Medvedev becomes a powerful presidential candidate as he has already won Putin's support and now the nomination at United Russia party's congress.

Dmitry Medvedev, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister, said, "I am grateful to the United Russia and all the political parties that proposed my candidacy for the post of President of our country. I understand how much such support means and the responsibility it entails."

The pro-Putin United Russia party, which occupies the majority of seats in parliament, launched its presidential election campaign at the congress.