95 days from poll, Russians have no idea about next President

The Presidential election campaign is off the starting blocks in Russia. The Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper has published the resolution by the Federation Council announcing March 2, 2008, as the date for the election.

The document was approved by the Upper House of the Russian Parliament at a special session on Monday. Its publication in the official press launches the country's Presidential campaign.

The Presidential election marathon starts just four days before the parliamentary vote on Sunday.

So for a few days, there will be two federal campaigns going on.

December 23 is the deadline for political parties to nominate their candidates for the presidency. Self-nomination is also possible.

January 16, 2008 is the closing date for the submission of documents and signatures for registration.

After this, the Central Election Commission will list the hopefuls.