Russian presidential vote set for March 2

MOSCOW, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The date for Russia's presidential election was set Monday for March 2, with campaigning to begin Dec. 2.

"Documents for registering candidates with the Central Election Commission can be submitted from Dec. 12 to Jan. 16, the media campaign will run Feb. 2-29, and candidates can publish their political manifestos Feb. 2-10," the commission's Chairman Vladimir Churov said.

While numerous campaigns have been launched to amend the constitution to allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to run for a third term, Churov ruled out a re-election bid, Itar-Tass reported.

"Under the law he cannot take part in the election," Churov said.

Putin's popular United Russia party has yet to announce who will run for the presidency, the Novosti news agency said.

Most of the country's other parties, ranging from communist to ultra-nationalist have declared their candidates, the reports said.