Putin not surprised by criticism

MOSCOW, March 2 (UPI) -- It's no surprise that Russian people would direct general criticism of the government at the political party in power, the Russian prime minister said.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is expected to stave off challenges from four other candidates to secure a third non-consecutive term as president during Sunday's election.

Putin told a round-table of foreign journalists that the Russian people have the opportunity to express themselves at the ballot box.

"In fact by voting they will be giving their assessment of the government's performance and that of the other executive agencies," he said. "I think that's the way it should be."

Human Rights Watch had said authorities in Russia have "harassed" election monitors and "indirectly interfered" with independent media outlets that are viewed as critical of the Kremlin. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, meanwhile, said that, while Russian voters were able to make their voices heard at the ballot box during State Duma elections in December, the vote was skewed in favor of Putin's United Russia party.

Opposition grew against Putin following the December contest. Putin, however, dismissed the pressure.

"It is not surprising that criticism is directed at the party in power, which has been responsible for developments in the country for a long time," he said.